Photo : NATO Pool/Anadolu Agency
War in Ukraine: Day 29
By Padmashree Anandhan and Ashwin Dhanabalan
War on the ground:
Zelensky’s address in G7 Summit and Ukraine’s claim on destroying Russian navy ship
Zelensky’s address
On 24 March, Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky in his virtual address in the G7 Summit urged the members of NATO to not look down on Ukraine’s Army with that of NATO standards. He also accused Russia of the use of phosphorus bombs, as children were reportedly dying. Zelensky reiterated the demand for a supply of powerful anti-aircraft defences. Mentioning Russia’s capacity of military arsenal, he complained about not being supplied with a single plane. The most important demand of Zelensky was unlimited military aid from NATO to protect the country from the Russian attacks.
Ukraine Military advance
On 24 March, the Ukraine military claimed to have destroyed a Russian Navy ship called the Orsk near the port city of Berdyansk. As per the report of the Ukrainian Navy, “The Orsk large landing ship of the Black Sea Fleet of the occupiers has been destroyed in the port of Berdyansk captured by Russia.” There was no confirmation from the Russian Defence Ministry. Deputy Defence Minister Hanna Malyar reported on the same that the military had attacked a “huge target,” the ship which was capable of holding 45 armoured vehicles, 20 tanks and 400 troops. Apart from this, the Ukraine military claimed on the withdrawal of Russian troops from the city to the Ukraine border.
Weapons and technology
On 24 March, Ukraine’s Ministry of Digital Transformation began using “facial recognition” software to track down the dead Russian soldiers. The technology was provided to Ukraine by Clearview which is based in New York. Which Ukraine using an online portal, has identified 14,000 Russian troops to have died.
The Moscow view:
Claims by Russia
On 24 March, Russia Foreign Ministry in response to the NATO summit said that the West’s decision to continue support to Ukraine reflected its want to continue the war. It criticised the West by saying that it was “reaping a terrible harvest,” by arming Ukraine.
On 24 March, Russia Defence Ministry claimed to have got the city of Izyum in the Kharkiv region under control. It said: “The Russian armed forces continue to carry out the missions of a special military operation. By the morning of 24 March, units of the Russian army had taken full control of the town of Izyum in the Kharkiv region.” The city of Izyum is considered one of the important routes to the eastern Donbas region along with a link to north-east and south-east, which has become the recent target of the Russian troops.
On 24 March, Russia announced to expel US diplomats as a counter move to US move to eliminate 12 Russian diplomats. The US State Department confirmed on receiving the list of diplomats of “Persona non grata,” from the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The West view:
Responses from the US and Europe
The US
On 24 March, White House National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan talked about a unified response to countries that would try helping Russia to evade Western sanctions. Sullivan said: “That’s not specifically about China, but it will apply to every significant economy and the decisions that any of those economies take to try, in an intentional and active way, to undermine or weaken the sanctions that we put in place.” He further added that since the US had conveyed this to China, the EU should do the same with individual countries within Europe.
On the same day, the White House released official statements from US President Joe Biden’s speech at the NATO headquarters in Brussels. He highlighted his objective of visiting the summit and highlighted them as three key points. It was first, supporting Ukraine with military and humanitarian assistance. Second, imposing sanctions to cripple Putin’s economy. Third, fortify NATO’s eastern flank. He further added that the US would “…invest $320 million to bolster democratic resilience and defend human rights in Ukraine and neighbouring countries.”
Also, at the summit, Biden said that the US was ready to accommodate 100,000 Ukrainian refugees. This comes as 3.5 million Ukrainians have fled the country into neighbouring regions. He also said: “I’m announcing that the United States has prepared to commit more than USD one billion in humanitarian assistance to help get relief to millions of Ukrainians affected by the war in Ukraine.”
The UK
On 24 March, at the G7 meeting, UK’s Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced an increase in lethal aid to Ukraine. The government said it would send 6,000 missiles and provide GBP 25 million in funding for Ukraine’s armed forces. Johnson said: “This is just the beginning.We must support a free and democratic Ukraine in the long term. This is a fellow European democracy, fighting a war of national defence.”
On the same day, the UK also announced another 59 sanctions against Russian banks, industries, and the stepdaughter of Russia’s Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov. The latest sanctions imposed were also against Belarusian entities and other companies like Gazprombank, Alfa-Bank, Sovcomflot, a state-run shipping firm; Alrosa, the world’s largest diamond producer; and Wagner Group, a private military contractor.
Lithuania
On 24 March, Lithuania’s President Gitanas Nauseda talked about the EU imposing further sanctions on Russia. Nevertheless, he mentioned how the sanctions’ implications would take time; he said: “the consequences come after a certain time lag.” However, he said there was scope for further sanctions. His comments came as he arrived in Brussels for the NATO summit.
G7, NATO, and EU meetings
On 24 March, NATO, the G7, and the EU plan meetings as US President Joe Biden visits Europe. This would be the first visit by a US President to an EU summit in Brussels. His visit is not only a symbolic one but to show the US’ support for Ukraine. Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy also joined the summits virtually.
On 24 March, NATO said it would increase its forces deployed on the eastern flank. NATO’s Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg added: “…agree to strengthen Nato’s posture in all domains, with major increases in the eastern part of the alliance. On land, in the air, and at sea…There is a new sense of urgency because we cannot take peace for granted.” Stoltenberg stated these at a news conference on the eve of the emergency summit. He further stated that if Russia used biological or chemical weapons, it would have consequences as NATO was ready to protect its allies against them.
On the same day, Stoltenberg stated that he would be extending his term for another year due to the war in Ukraine. His term was set to expire on 01 October 2022 and was due to take up the post of Norway’s central bank governor. Stoltenberg said: “Honoured by the decision of #NATO Heads of State and Government to extend my term as Secretary-General until 30 September 2023.”
The Global Fallouts:
International implications of the Ukraine war
Haiti
On 23 March, the World Food Program (WFP) warned of a hunger crisis in Haiti as the war continued in Ukraine, leading to a rise in prices for imported wheat. A recent food assessment by the UN stated: “in Haiti finds 45 per cent of the population, or 4.5 million people, are facing acute hunger, with 1.5 million in need of emergency assistance.” The WFP has further attributed this to the rising issues of political instability, growing inflation, and recurrent disasters.
India
On 24 March, the Indian government clarified that it had friendly relations with the US and Russia. However, India had grown closer to the US amid the tensions with China, while Russia continues to be its biggest arms supplier. Concerning the war in Ukraine, Junior foreign minister Meenakshi Lekhi addressed the parliament, saying: “India has called for an immediate cessation of hostilities and return to the path of diplomacy and dialogue with respect to the conflict in Ukraine.” India’s clarification on its position came as US President Joe Biden had called India’s stance “somewhat shaky.”
Japan
On 24 March, Japan’s Finance Minister Shunichi Suzuki raised concerns at a parliament session regarding its energy payments to Russia in Roubles. This comes as Russia announced that it would require its energy payments in Rouble from “unfriendly” countries. Suzuki said: “Currently, we’re looking into the situation with relevant ministries as we don’t quite understand what is (Russia’s) intention and how they would do this.” Japan was added to the unfriendly country list since it had revoked Russia’s most-favoured-nation trade status, banned certain goods, and froze assets in response to Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine.
Kenya
On 24 March, an analysis in the Business Daily cited the impact of the war in Ukraine and its far-reaching implications on Africa’s economy, especially on Kenya. Kenya’s fuel prices have gone up by Sh5 a litre, which has resulted in inflation of critical sectors such as transportation and agriculture. However, the analysis suggested that Kenya could use this as an opportunity to secure its food security by investing more in locally produced wheat and sunflower.
UAE
On 24 March, an article by Al Jazeera talked about how the Ukraine war had given the opportunity for Syrian President Bashar al-Assad to visit the UAE. Russia had been playing a crucial role in getting the Gulf Arab monarchies to come in terms with the Syrian regime. The efforts by the UAE and Syria, with the Kremlin being a part, have made the US uncomfortable especially due to the ongoing war.
Asian shares struggle
On 24 March, the Asian shares experienced high volatility with oil prices going lower due to the war in Ukraine and the comments from US Federal Reserve officials. An analyst at IG market Kyle Rodda said: “It is still a relatively volatile market, (which) suggests that these ripping moves in stocks ought to be treated with caution.” However, finance company MSCI recouped some of its earlier losses, while Chinese stocks faced decline. At the same time, as cited by Reuters: “Hong Kong’s Hang Seng Index fell 0.3 per cent while the mainland’s blue-chip index slid 0.6 per cent.” On the other hand, Japan was able to reverse the losses to a gain of 0.25 per cent.
Red Cross
On 23 March, the Red Cross Society released a report on the “Devastation in Ukraine: How the Red Cross is Helping.” President of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) Francesco Rocca said: “The devastating reality of Ukraine is that the needs are growing every day. Amidst increased violence and a disrupted supply chain, delivering essential goods in many parts of the country is getting harder — not easier.” The report further mentioned the current impact of the war and how Red Cross teams were working with the people impacted by conflict. They also stated plans to work on rehabilitation, reunite families, and create awareness about areas contaminated by unexploded ordnance.
References:
“BBC Live,” BBC, 24 March 2022
“Ukraine Says Destroyed Russian Naval Vessel in Azov Sea,” The Moscow Times, 24 March 2022
“Ukraine Demands Unlimited NATO Aid Against Russia's Month-Old War,” The Moscow Times, 24 March 2022
“Meeting with permanent members of the Security Council,” Kremline.au, 24 March 2022
“US pressures G20 on Russia, but number of states retain independent positions — Kremlin,” TASS, 23 March 2022
“Over 1,200 residents of DPR, LPR, Ukraine granted temporary asylum in Russia in past month,” TASS, 23 March 2022
“Moscow vows to hit back at Warsaw, if Poland expels Russian diplomats, warns Kremlin,” TASS, 23 March 2022
“Special operation in Ukraine proceeds according to plan, says Kremlin,” TASS, 23 March 2022
“Russian Stock Market to Reopen Thursday After Unprecedented Pause,” The Moscow Times, 23 March 2022
"Putin Aide Chubais Quits Kremlin, Leaves Russia,” The Moscow Times, 23 March 2022
Daphné Benoit, “Russia Turns to Attrition One Month Into Ukraine War,” The Moscow Times, 23 March 2022
“Russian Stock Market to Reopen Thursday After Unprecedented Pause,” The Moscow Times, 23 March 2022
“Russia says sending international peacekeepers to Ukraine would be 'very reckless’,” Reuters, 23 March 2022
"Russia moves to expel U.S. diplomats in tit-for-tat move,” Reuters, 23 March 2022
"Ukraine's Zelenskyy urges global protests against Russia,” Deutsche Welle, 23 March 2022
“Russia’s invasion of Ukraine: List of key events from day 28,” Al Jazeera, 23 March 2022
“Battleground Ukraine: Day 28 of Russia's invasion,” France24, 23 March 2022
“Luhansk Governor says local ceasefire agreed to evacuate civillians,” The Guardian, 23 March 2022
“Nine humanitarian corridors agreed for Wednesday – Ukraine's deputy PM,” Reuters, 23 March 2022
Daniel Boffery, “Chernihiv rations drinking water as Russia accused of taking city hostage” The Guardian, 23 March 2022
“Zelenskyy slams UN over failure on Ukraine in Japan address,” Al Jazeera, 24 March 2022
“BBC Live,” BBC, 23 March 2022
“Egypt requests IMF support as economy buffeted by Ukraine spillover,” Reuters, 23 March 2022
“Japan unsure how Russia will execute rouble payments for energy sold to 'unfriendly' nations,” Reuters, 23 March 2022
IN BRIEF
By Emmanuel Royan
GERMANY
Finance Minister initiates temporary measures to address high fuel cost
On 24 March, the German government agreed on proposals to initiate temporary measures to ease the high fuel prices. The provisions include a EUR 300 one-time energy tax relief payment, a three-month decrease in the fuel tax, and a three-month decrease in the cost of monthly public transportation tickets. The tax on gasoline will be decreased by 30 cents per litre, while the tax on diesel will be reduced by 14 cents per litre. The funds will also be sent to regional public transportation organizations so that the states can coordinate the monthly ticket subsidies. Finance Minister Christian Lindner, on the implementation of measures, said: “This should show the people of this country that we can be trusted to act in this crisis.” (“Germany unveils measures to tackle high energy prices,” Deutsche Welle, 24 March 2022)
THE UK
Stringent border measures implemented with Ireland
On 24 March, the UK government implemented a rule requiring non-Irish EU residents to apply for authorization to travel between Ireland and Northern Ireland. This reform is part of the Nationality and Borders Bill, voted by a majority of 298 Members of Parliament on 22 March. Non-Irish EU citizens will be required to apply for an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) before entering the UK from the EU and Ireland. However, the ETA will limit Common Travel Area (CTA), a long-standing agreement between the United Kingdom and Ireland that predates EU membership. Citizens of the UK and Ireland can freely travel between the two nations and reside in any jurisdiction under the CTA. Irish Foreign Minister Simon Coveney felt that this decision is contrary to the principles that the two governments had agreed upon for years. The agreement stated to protect free movement on the island for everyone. (Nichola Daunton, “EU citizens could face tougher border measures in Ireland after UK vote,” Euronews, 24 March 2022)
REGIONAL
EU unveils new landmark rules in Digital Market Act
On 24 March, the EU Parliament and Council agreed on new reforms to limit big techs. The new Digital Markets Act (DMA) aims to limit the influence of the major tech companies to allow smaller businesses to compete with them. The DMA requires that digital companies make their messaging systems interoperable and provide business users access to their data. The rules forbid corporations from promoting their own services and blocking consumers from uninstalling pre-installed software or apps. The new obligations will apply to companies termed “gatekeepers” - a category defined by the legislation as firms with a market capitalization of at least EUR 75 billion with 45 million monthly users. Tech giants like Google, Microsoft, Meta, Amazon, and Apple are included in this category. (Foo Yun Chee, “US tech giants face tough new rules as EU countries, lawmakers clinch deal,” Reuters, 25 March 2022)
INTERNATIONAL
Group of Seven to talk on deterrence of Russia's actions
On 24 March, the Group of Seven (G7) summoned an emergency meeting at Brussels to discuss further actions against Russia. BBC examined the relevance of the G7 countries amid the Ukraine War. The ministers and officials often met throughout the year to make agreements and issue unified comments on world issues. The G7 countries have already imposed the most comprehensive sanctions on Russia. They have cut the country off from international trade and the global financial system and froze the assets of the country’s wealthiest citizens. While, the US has banned all Russian oil and gas imports, the UK plans to phase out Moscow’s oil by the end of 2022. Ukraine’s leaders want the rest of the G7 to follow suit. (“G7: What is the G7 and what is it doing about Ukraine?,” BBC, 24 March 2022)
Concerns over North America’s Arctic, amid war in Ukraine
On 25 March, the BBC examined North America’s Arctic vulnerability to Russia. Despite its remoteness and limited population, North America’s huge area is greater than Europe. Due to its vast area, it is attracting the attention of governments and security experts. They warn that North America’s Arctic may be susceptible when tensions are high following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. In the event of a confrontation, Russian missiles would have to cross the Arctic to hit targets in southern Canada or the US. However, an Arctic expert at the University of British Columbia, Michael Byers, believes Russia is unlikely to consider any invasion or escalation along the frigid border with Canada. While it already faces tensions with Scandinavian countries. (Bernd Debusmann Jr, “Is North America’s Arctic vulnerable to Russia?,” BBC, 25 March 2022)