Photo : Reuters/Roman Baluk
War in Ukraine: Day 23
By Padmashree Ananadhan and Ashwin Dhanabalan
War on the ground: President address in the German parliament, continuing attacks
Zelensky’s address
On 18 March, Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky, in his address to German Lawmakers highlighted three key points. One, divided stance of Germany from Europe on Ukraine in terms of energy policy and business interests. Which contributes for the differed stance. Two, bringing back the cold war events in west Berlin, urged for airlift and no-fly zone to guard the country. Three, Germany’s responsibility to counter back the Nazi crimes happening in Ukraine. He urged Germany to bring down the difference wall built between both countries. Zelensky said: “We see that the views of the Germans are changing, and this is very important. We see Germany looking for a new path.” He demanded: “Dear Mr Scholz, tear down this wall.”
Ukraine Military advance
On 18 March, Ukraine’s Military Intelligence claimed the arrival of 150 Syrian troops into Russia on 17 March. It estimates 40,000 Syrians to have signed up to join Russian military with a salary of USD 15 per month.
On 18 March, in the report released by Ukraine military, it claimed of destroying seven aircrafts, one helicopter, UAV drones and wing missiles of Russia. It also said: “In certain temporarily occupied territories, Russian occupiers are trying to create a demonstrative positive image of themselves by distributing food items to civilian population.”
Continuing attacks and evacuation
On 18 March, Mariupol is becoming the centre for attacks and suffering of people due to continuing rapid attacks by Russia. The local official reported that 90 per cent of the southern port city was destroyed including its historic white theatre and many women, children who were sheltering have rescued out from wreckage. In the total people remaining in Mariupol, only 30,000 have been evacuated, the rest close to 350,000 are still reported to be stuck under the radar of Russia. On the same, Zelensky alleged Russia for halting the humanitarian corridors in Mariupol through attacks, he assured that 35,000 people were rescued from the white theatre. With growing attacks and challenges in evacuation, Zelensky promised not to stop the efforts for Ukraine in becoming the member of the EU. Similarly, in talks with Zelensky, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, vowed to speed the process of joining Ukraine into the EU.
On 18 March, Lyiv city Mayor confirmed the strike on the aircraft maintenance facility. Russian missiles targeted the aircraft repair plant in Lviv, situated in the western Ukraine. The city Lviv is so far the farthest attacked region in the West, but it serves as important point for evacuation and fleeing. Apart from Lviv, eastern city of Kharkiv and Kramatorsk city in south were also attacked with missiles injuring, rescue workers, civilians close to 25.
Other Developments
On 18 March, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba said about the talks with the EU’s Foreign Policy Chief on imposing the next package of EU sanctions on Russia. So far EU has levied sanctions on energy sector, luxury goods, Swift banking system, assets in Russian Central Bank and oligarchs.
The Moscow view: Claims by Russia
On 18 March, Russia held a concert marking its eighth anniversary of annexation of Crimea at the Luzhniki stadium. The event was portrayed to show Russia’s love for its motherland and as per reports 200,000 people were present in the stadium. State workers, teachers were asked to take part and held the signs of “Crimean Spring.” President Putin addressed the crowd, praising the Russian unity, military and also mentioned that Russian troops present in eastern Ukraine were protecting people from genocide. Putin said: “When needed, they shield each other from bullets with their bodies like brothers. Such unity we have not had for a long time.” Apart from this, the symbol “Z” which was seen in the military troops of Russia, emerged as symbol of support amongst those in the stadium and children.
On 18 March, a separatist official in eastern Ukraine announced Russia’s move of adopting no-fly zone in Ukraine’s Donbas region. Tass reported: “The Krasnodar airport confirmed the extension of the closure of airports in southern Russia until 3.45am Moscow time on 26 March.”
On 18 March, President Vladimir Putin in a phone call with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz gave remarks on the ongoing peace talks. He said that Russia was keen in continuing the talks to negotiate with Ukraine, but Ukraine was trying to halt. He also referred to increasing war crimes committed by Ukrainian Army in the eastern cities of Donetsk and Makiivka. He criticised the West for negating the war crimes and also mentioned that Russian army was doing everything to prevent killing of civilians. The call with French President Emmanuel Macron also has similar talks, where Putin promised to protect the lives of the civilians and provide safe route for evacuation.
On 17 March, Putin dialled to Turkish President and listed down five demands to reach peace deal with Ukraine. First, Ukraine to remain neutral and not make efforts to join NATO. Second, disarmament of Ukraine to ensure it is not threat to Russia in future. Third, Protection of Russian language inside Ukraine, a process known as de-Nazification. Fourth, in-person negotiations with President Zelensky before signing of the agreement.
The West view: Responses from the US and Europe
The US
On 18 March, US President Joe Biden said he would speak to China's President Xi Jinping on a video call later in the day. This would be the first phone call since the video summit of November 2021. White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki said: "an opportunity for President Biden to assess where President Xi stands." In addition, Biden said he would warn Xi of the ramifications of helping Russia from Western sanctions. This would also be the first official discussion of the two leaders since the war broke out.
Germany
On 18 March, Germany's Chancellor Olaf Scholz spoke to Russian President Vladimir Putin on a telephonic call. He stressed on the humanitarian situation and called for a ceasefire in Ukraine. He further talked about the deteriorating situation and suggested a diplomatic solution for the war.
France
On 18 March, French government Spokesperson Gabriel Attal mentioned the Western sanctions against Russia and their impact on Moscow. However, he said, the sanctions were now showing a "real impact" and added: "We hope these sanctions will force [Russian president] Vladimir Putin to change his plans."
Poland
On 18 March, as the refugee crisis in Poland increased, the country's business community stepped up to help out the Ukrainians. Mariana Zlahodniuk, a marketing and business advisor from Ukraine settled in Poland, shared her experiences at the border. She said: "Bakers sell me bread below-market prices, firms bring in the food for free, companies offer free transportation and drivers. It is an extraordinary effort." Polish businesses mobilized their support and were prepared to help Ukrainians in the long run.
On the same day, Prime Minister Mateusz Morawieck said that Poland would formally submit a proposal for a peacekeeping force in Ukraine at the next NATO summit. His announcement came as Poland's ruling party leader Jaroslaw Kaczynski mentioned about it on his visit to Kyiv. Kaczynski had stated that Poland stood with Ukraine and that it was necessary to have a peace mission.
Norway
On 18 March, Norway's Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Stoere said the country was prepared to receive around 100,000 refugees from Ukraine. Stoere said it would undoubtedly receive 30,000 refugees. However, they were preparing in advance to receive three times that number. He said: "That is not the most probable outcome but we must have plans and be prepared because it could happen." So far, Norway has received only 2,000 refugees, but the government said an additional 5,250 people were coming to the country.
The UK
On 18 March, the UK government launched an inquiry into the hoax calls received by UK Defence Minister Ben Wallace and Home Secretary Priti Patel. The imposter claimed to be Ukraine's Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal and was able to get through to Wallace. The issue has raised serious security concerns, and an immediate inquiry was launched. Home Office Minister Holly Lynch said: "For individuals to be able to fraudulently gain access to two of the most senior government ministers with responsibilities for our national defence is worrying."
On the same day, the UK government announced the revocation of RT's licence. RT is a Russian state-backed news channel. UK Culture Secretary Nadine Dorries said: "Putin's polluting propaganda machine…I welcome Ofcom's decision and it is right that our independent regulator has taken action against RT." Dorries added that the channel cast victims as the aggressors and the actual brutality of the Russians was not depicted on the screens.
The Global Fallouts: International implications of the Ukraine war
Australia
On 18 March, across the cities of Australia, Ukrainians and Russians unitedly protested against the war in Ukraine. The demonstrators said the war waged by Russia was Putin's war. As reported by Al Jazeera: "The protests are for networking, for organising, deciding what to do, allocating people to different directions but also for lifting one another's spirits." Many of the demonstrators were concerned about their relatives and family back in Ukraine.
On the same day, the Australian government announced sanctions on two Russian oligarchs linked to the mining industry. Foreign Minister Marise Payne said: "Australia has now added two billionaires with links to business interests in Australia, Oleg Deripaska, and Viktor Vekselberg." Payne added that Australia was closely working with international partners to increase pressure on Russia by sanctioning oligarchs. He further said Australia's actions were "in protest of Moscow's illegal, indefensible war against Ukraine."
South Africa
On 18 March, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa accused NATO of the war in Ukraine. He further said he would resist the West's calls to condemn Russia. He said: "The war could have been avoided if NATO had heeded the warnings from amongst its own leaders and officials over the years that its eastward expansion would lead to greater, not less, instability in the region." He referred to Russia's justification of the special operation in Ukraine.
Africa
On 18 March, the US Ambassador to the UN, Linda Thomas-Greenfield, called out African states for their neutral position on the war in Ukraine. Earlier, at the UN General Assembly voting, 17 states abstained from voting while eight did not vote at all. She further said that there could be no neutral ground during a crisis and added that this was not a Cold War competition. She also mentioned that the US would support South Africa's mediation offer between Ukraine and Russia.
Western Firms
On 18 March, the BBC reported about a few Western firms who were not able to withdraw from Russia due to legal arrangements. Burger King stated that it would not be able to close its 800 stores as the franchise partners refused their closure. Restaurant Brands International president David Shear said: "We contacted the main operator of the business and demanded the suspension of Burger King restaurant operations in Russia…He has refused to do so."
Western Banks
On 18 March, Western banks' withdrawal from Russia caused a lot of complications as they now face risk-ridden retreat with anxious clients and staff. This comes as the West imposed sanctions on Russia, and the banks suspect them to remain long-term. As reported by Reuters, "Citigroup (CN), JPMorgan (JPM.N) and Goldman Sachs (GS.N) have committed to helping clients with the complex task of unwinding their Russian operations, whilst at the same time supporting the relocation of staff who wish to leave."
References:
“Ukraine's Zelensky calls on Germany to tear down Russian wall,”BBC, 18 March 2022
“Russian oligarch Strzhalkovsky's super yacht stuck in Norway,” BBC, 18 March 2022
“Ukraine war: Russia destroys aircraft repair plant near western city of Lviv,” BBC, 18 March 2022
“Ukraine conflict: Putin lays out his demands in Turkish phone call,” BBC, 18 March 2022
“Ukraine crisis live,” The Guardian, 18 March 2022
“Telephone conversation with President of France Emmanuel Macron,” President of Russia, 18 March 2022
“Concert marking the anniversary of Crimea’s reunification with Russia,” President of Russia, 18 March 2022
“African nations' neutrality on Ukraine war under fire,” BBC, 18 March 2022
Jo Harper, “How Poland's business community is helping Ukrainians,” BBC, 18 March 2022
“Burger King Russia partner 'refuses' to shut shops,” BBC, 18 March 2022
Kevin Rawlinson, “Hoax caller claiming to be Ukrainian PM got through to UK defence secretary,” The Guardian, 18 March 2022
Tom Ambrose and Samantha Lock, “Biden to warn Xi Jinping China will face ‘costs’ if it helps Russia,” The Guardian, 18 March 2022
Zoe Osborne, “In Australia, Russians and Ukrainians unite against Putin’s war,” Al Jazeera, 18 March 2022
“European Space Agency suspends joint Mars mission with Russia,” France24, 18 March 2022
“Norway prepares for up to 100,000 Ukraine refugees, PM says,” Reuters, 18 March 2022
“Australia sanctions Russian billionaires with mining industry links,” Reuters, 18 March 2022
Sinead Cruise and Huw Jones, “Retreat from Russia riddled with risks for Western banks,” Reuters, 18 March 2022
“Poland to propose Ukraine peacekeeping mission at NATO summit, says PM,” Reuters, 18 March 2022
“Russia Today: News channel RT's UK licence revoked by Ofcom,” BBC, 18 March 2022
IN BRIEF
By Emmanuel Royan
BULGARIA
Former Prime Minister detained on allegations of misusing EU funds
On 17 March, the head of the major opposition party GERB Boyko Borissov was detained as part of a police operation tied to the EU Public Prosecutor’s Office investigations. The European Public Prosecutor’s Office, headed by Laura Kovesi, targets serious fraud of EU funds. The office has received numerous complaints from Bulgaria and has initiated 120 investigations. Borissov’s lawyer Menko Menkov stated: “Borissov has not been charged for the time being. The police have searched his home. He has been taken to the headquarters of the national police where he will most likely be detained for 24 hours.” (“Bulgaria’s former PM Borissov detained after EU probes,” Reuters, 18 March 2022)
FRANCE
Corsica’s Yvan Colonna granted suspension of prison time
On 17 March, the French Judiciary suspended Yuvan Colanna’s life sentence “for medical reasons.” Yvan Colonna, who was imprisoned for the assassination of Corsica’s top regional official Claude Erignac in 1998, is now in a coma after being beaten on 02 March in jail by a fellow detainee serving time for terror offences. He was arrested in 2003 after a five-year search that found him living as a shepherd in the Corsican mountains. He, however, is still seen as a hero in the struggle for independence. Franck Elong Abe, who was jailed for terror-related offences, has been charged with another terror offence for the attack on Colonna. (“France suspends jail term of Corsican nationalist Yvan Colonna after clashes,” France24, 17 March 2022)
INTERNATIONAL
The US to supply military equipment to the UK amid Ukraine War
On 17 March, the US State Department approved a USD 700 million missile defence system sale to the UK. The agreement comes amid a rise in requests from European countries to buy additional US-made weapons as the Russian invasion of Ukraine changed the region’s security dynamics. The UK government wished to purchase ballistic missile defence radars and two command and control battle management and communications systems from Lockheed Martin Corp. The US State Department stated the sale would advance US foreign policy goals by “by improving the security of a NATO ally that is a force for political stability and economic progress in Europe.” (“UK gets approval to buy missile defences from US,” Reuters, 17 March 2022)
Europe increased Defence equipment purchases from the US
On 17 March, European governments proposed purchase orders of defence equipment from the US government and contractors. The inquiries respond to a more uncertain security environment in the region, with Germany, Sweden, and Denmark among those pledging significant increases in defence spending. The Pentagon has re-established a team to respond to the rising demand for sales and transfer of arms supplied by US defence companies to speed up government approval. The officials are also exploring ways to meet Ukraine’s needs, replenish US inventories and restore depleted stocks of allies and partners, and work with contractors on ways to “mitigate supply chain constraints and accelerate production timelines.” (Mike Stone, “Exclusive: Russian invasion spurs European demand for US drones, missiles,” Reuters, 17 March 2022)