War in Ukraine: Day 30
By Padmashree Anandhan and Ashwin Dhanabalan

War on the ground:
Zelensky’s message; Mariupol; Russian strikes; Prisoners of war exchanged
Zelensky’s message to Russia
On 25 March, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky urged Russia to negotiate rather than continue with the war. However, he stated that Ukraine would not give up territories to achieve peace. Zelensky’s response was to Deputy Chief of the Russian General Staff Col Gen Sergei Rudskoi, who mentioned that Russia would now only focus on “the liberation of Donbas.” Zelensky had also claimed that Russia had lost more than 16,000 troops while still unable to take Kyiv or Kharkiv.  

Update on Mariupol 
On 25 March, Mariupol’s Mayor Vadym Boychenko informed about the deteriorating humanitarian situation of the city after Russia besieged it. He said: “The situation is really complicated. It is a humanitarian crisis…Part of the city is occupied by Russian [forces], but our soldiers are still controlling the city, but there is non-stop fighting.” He claimed that Russia had restricted 300 tonnes of humanitarian aid to enter the city, with about 100,000 people trapped in Mariupol.

On the same day, Deputy Prime Minister Iryna Vereshchuk stated that there was a possibility to open a safe corridor to evacuate civilians in private vehicles. On the ground, Ukrainian and Russian officials negotiated corridors to let civilians flee the besieged city. Vereshchuk said: “The city is suffering constant Russian aerial assaults and artillery strikes, making departure - or even going above ground - a death-risk for residents.” 

Russian strike on a medical centre in Kharkiv
On 25 March, Russia struck a medical centre in Kharkiv, Ukraine’s second-largest city. The strike killed four civilians while others were wounded. The local police said: “This morning, following a bombardment on civilian infrastructure from several rocket launchers, seven civilians were injured, four of them died.” The medical center is in the city’s Osnovyansky district. 

135 children killed in the war since the invasion began
On 25 March, Ukraine’s Prosecutor General’s Office stated that 135 children were killed while 184 were wounded since the invasion began. Nevertheless, the BBC has not been able to verify these reports independently. On the same day, two children were reported to have been killed in the city of Rubizhne of the Luhansk region in the crossfire. At the same time, two children were injured on 24 March in Novomykhailivka, Donetsk region, by shelling. 

Prisoners of war exchanged at Mangush
On 25 March, Deputy Prime Minister Iryna Vereshchuk confirmed that an exchange of prisoners of war took place in the city of Mangush. Ten captured occupiers were exchanged for 10 Ukrainian service members in the exchange. Vereshchuk said: “We managed to release the drivers and rescuers captured by the occupiers two days ago in Mangush.” Mangush is a settlement in the Donetsk region of Ukraine.  

The Moscow view:
Claims by Russia 
Update on casualties
On 25 March, the Russian Defence Ministry gave an update on its military casualties for the second time since the war broke out. Russia claimed that 1,351 of its soldiers were killed and 3,825 were wounded. On the other hand, Ukrainian military sources had estimated that 15,000 soldiers were killed, although the figure might include the injured. In contrast, US intelligence sources suggested that approximately 7,500 soldiers have died. 

Focus on Eastern Ukraine
On 25 March, the chief of the Russian army stated that the military would focus its efforts only on the Donbas region. The comments suggest a possible downgrading of Russia’s war aims for Ukraine as the forces were met with strong resistance in the northern parts. The chief also mentioned how Russia was always considering two options. First is the liberation of the whole of Ukraine. Second, focus on the eastern part of Ukraine, the Donbas region. 

Dmitry Medvedev on Western sanctions
On 25 March, former Russian President and current Deputy Head of Security Council Dmitry Medvedev called the Western sanctions a “foolish” move, thinking it would affect the government. He said: “The sanctions will only consolidate the Russian society and not cause popular discontent with the authorities.” He argued that the sanctions would have favorable effects on Moscow as they would further consolidate Russian society. Medvedev also said: “Let us ask ourselves: can any of these major businessmen have even the tiniest quantum of influence of the position of the country’s leadership?”

Russia denies claims of using phosphorus bombs
On 25 March, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov clarified that Russia had never violated any international conventions. He shunned Zelenskyy for accusing Moscow of using phosphorus bombs. Zelensky had accused Russia on 24 March of using phosphorus bombs against civilians at the G7 summit. However, phosphorus bombs are allowed to be used in open spaces as a tactic to be used as cover for troops but are restricted in heavily populated civilian areas. 

Lavrov’s response to sanctions
On 25 March, Russia’s Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov claimed that total war had been declared against Russia. His comments came as a response to the West’s all-out sanctions against the Russian economy. Lavrov said: “Today, a genuine hybrid war, a ‘total war’ has been declared against us. This term, which was exploited by Hitler’s Germany, is now pronounced by many European politicians when talking about what they want to do with Russia.” Lavrov lashed out on the sanctions and stated that these were publicly announced to devastate the Russian economy and the country. 

Putin calls out cancel culture 
On 25 March, Russia’s President Vladimir Putin mentioned similarities of what was going on under the Nazi Germany of Hitler and what the West was doing to Russia. He said: “The notorious cancel culture has turned into the cancellation of culture. The names of Tchaikovsky, Shostakovich, Rachmaninov are being removed from playbills, Russian writers and their books are being banned.” He said the last time this happened was 90 years ago. He further accused the West of seeking to cancel Russia, its culture, and its people. 

Kremlin on exclusion from the G20
On 25 March, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov talked about the West trying to exclude Russia from the G20. He said: “As for the G20 format, it is important. Nevertheless, on the other hand, in the current conditions, when most of the participants in this format are actually in a state of economic war with us, on their initiative, nothing fatal will happen.” However, he said Russia would still take part in the G20, depending on the opinion of other participants. Nevertheless, he reiterated that even if Russia were not allowed to participate, it would not lead to anything fatal for the country. 

The West view:
Responses from the US and Europe
The US
On 25 March, US President Joe Biden’s visit to Poland, G7, EU and NATO summits in Brussels brought out two-fold aims. One, the showcase of Western unity in the face of war and the prominence of liberal values. Two, strengthening of energy security through gas deals and defence. In the joint statement with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen,  Biden remarked: “The United States and the European Union are going to work together to take concrete measures to reduce dependence on natural gas — period — and to maximize the available — the avail- — the availability and use of renewable energy.”

The EU
On 24 March and 25 March, the European Union leaders met to discuss “the new security situation in Europe, sustained high energy prices and Russian aggression against Ukraine.” The European Council also discussed building “robust economic base, coordination efforts in response to COVID-19 pandemic and global health governance.” In his address to the European Parliament plenary session, President Charles Michel highlighted three points: “The first point, we have a weakness in the area of energy, we must immediately take measures to strengthen our resilience and independence in this area and to gradually break out of our dependency, particularly on Russian gas. The second topic is the question of security and peace. As we know, for many years voices have been raised with greater or lesser force in favour of bringing European countries closer together, in order to further develop European defence and security capabilities. The third element, clearly, concerns the robustness of our economic base. If we are able to take measures that affect the regime in Moscow, it is because we are an economic power with 450 million consumers and a strong internal market with unquestionable strengths and assets.”

The UK
On 25 March, UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson spoke to China’s President Xi Jinping over a call on the Ukraine war. In the call, Johnson stressed the pressure factor that needs to be imposed on Putin to withdraw troops. He also mentioned the implications China would face if found to be supporting Russia. 

On 25 March, the UK Ministry of Defense reported through intelligence that Ukraine forces have advanced in taking back the war shelled towns and has taken a defensive position in the east of Kyiv. It also confirmed on the Ukraine forces pushing back the Russian military away from the northwest of Kyiv. 

Hungary
On 25 March, Hungary’s Prime Minister Viktor Orban rejected the appeal of Zelensky to supply weapons and impose sanctions on Russia. Orban rejected by stating: “against Hungary's interests.” The decision was reasoned by one of the spokesperson Zoltan Kovacs, who said: “Hungary wants to stay out of this war, so it will not allow the transfer of arms and weapons to Ukraine.” Another reason behind the denial was not to risk the minority ethnic group in the west of Ukraine becoming targets of the Russians. 

The Global Fallouts: International implications of the Ukraine war
MNCs
On 25 March, Spotify announced its withdrawal of services from Russia due to new restrictions imposed on media companies. In the statement released it said: “further restricting access to information, eliminating free expression, and criminalising certain types of news puts the safety of Spotify’s employees and possibly even our listeners at risk.” The company had closed its operations in early March and has not been able to sell its premium services in Russia due to international sanctions. The UN
On 25 March, the UN reported that close to 1,081 civilians had been killed and 1,707 had been injured since the start of the war in Ukraine. It also predicts the count to be higher as it faced challenges in collecting information in the war zones. The UN Human Rights Monitoring Mission in Ukraine’s Head, Matilda Bognor reported on the finding of 200 dead people in the city of Mariupol. According to the Head: “One mass grave we've been able to get satellite information on, and we estimate that one of those mass graves holds about 200 people.” She also pointed out the Russian usage of heavy artillery, rockets and missiles in populated areas of Ukraine accounting for war crimes.

Australia
On 25 March, Australia’s Foreign Minister, Marise Payne announced the sanctions on Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko and his family members for their role in the Ukraine war. The Minister said: “Australia has now sanctioned a total of 32 pro-Kremlin propagandists, reflecting the strategic importance of disinformation in Russia's attempts to legitimise Putin's unprovoked and illegal invasion of Ukraine.”

References:
“BBC Live,” BBC, 25 March 2022
“Russia gives update on its military casualties,” BBC, 25 March 2022
“Russia to focus war on eastern Ukraine - Russian army chief,” BBC, 25 March 2022
“Western Sanctions Won't Sway Kremlin, Says Russia's Former President Medvedev,” US News, 25 March 2022 
“Russia Denies Breaching International Law with Phosphorus Bombs,” The Moscow Times, 25 March 2022 
“Lavrov slams all-out sanctions spree, says West’s values ‘aren’t worth a red cent’,” TASS, 25 March 2022 
“Putin lashes out at West ‘cancelling’ Russian culture, says it reeks of Hitler’s Germany,” TASS, 25 March 2022 
“Kremlin calls possible exclusion of Russia from G20 "not fatal”,” TASS, 25 March 2022 
“Mariupol evacuation corridor planned for today,” BBC, 25 March 2022 
“Ukraine says 135 children killed since invasion began,” BBC, 25 March 2022
“It will take years to rebuild Mariupol, city's mayor says,” BBC, 25 March 2022
Samantha Lock, Maanvi Singh, Adam Gabbatt, Léonie Chao-Fong and Martin Belam, “Mangush hostages released, Mariupol aid blocked: Ukraine's vice PM,” The Guardian, 25 March 2022
Rebecca Ratcliffe, Sam Levin, Joanna Walters, Jem Bartholomew, Martin Belam and Samantha Lock, “Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy again has urged Russia to negotiate an end to war, but also asserted that Ukraine would not agree to give up any of its territory to achieve peace,” The Guardian, 25 March 2022
“Four killed in Russian strike on medical centre in Kharkiv, say police,” BBC, 25 March 2022

IN BRIEF
By Emmanuel Royan

FRANCE 
Elections: Concerns over low voter turnout
On 25 March, France24 reported an anticipated low turnout rate for the upcoming presidential election. Observers argue on how severe low turnout may be in this election due to the war in Ukraine. Due to which politicians may suffer the most, in a recent poll, only 71 per cent of those questioned intend to vote. In reality, this would imply a percentage of abstention equivalent to the first round of the 2002 presidential election, when 28.4 per cent abstained, setting a new record for the first round of France’s two-round presidential election. In 2017, 22.2 per cent of registered voters did not vote, which was considered a high abstention percentage. Political Analyst Gerard Grunberg believes that the presumptive victory of Macron, does not motivate people to turn up to vote. (“Turnout concerns loom large for French presidential election frontrunners,” France24, 25 March 2022)

SPAIN
Lorry drivers to continue 12-day strike
On 25 March, self-employed truckers resumed strike despite a government aid package. In addition, numerous tractors drove slowly towards Madrid to protest what they called a “brutal increase” in fuel prices and the insufficient farm revenue. As part of the package, the socialist-led government agreed to EUR 0.20 per litre gas reduction for lorries after 12 hours of negotiations. The government also announced that it would grant EUR 450 million in direct financial assistance to road transport companies and special credit terms. The platform for the Defense of the Road Transport Sector, on the other hand, has urged its members to continue their strike and march forward. The group is not associated with any of Spain’s larger national trucking groups or road haulage companies, and it has not engaged in any negotiations with the government. The strike has wreaked havoc on supply systems across Spain, resulting in irregular shortages of fresh produce such as vegetables, milk, and seafood. (“Truckers’ strike to continue in Spain despite government support package,” Euronews, 25 March 2022)

ENVIRONMENT
Bittern Birds revive from near extinction
On 25 March, the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) reported on the increasing number of birds in the UK after nearly disappearing. Bitterns are wetland birds that hide in reed beds and are members of the heron family. Conservationists can count them during mating by listening for the male’s thunderous “foghorn” call, which may be heard three miles away. In the 1870s, the birds were driven to extinction across the UK. Their extinction was caused by a combination of poaching and the draining of their marsh habitats for cultivation. Nevertheless, they returned in the early twentieth century. In 1997, it was estimated that just 11 males remained, placing them on the verge of extinction for the second time. However, in the last ten years, the systematic restoration and re-creation of wetlands have allowed their numbers to double. (Victoria Gill, “RSPB: Bitterns make booming recovery in UK wetlands,” BBC, 25 March 2022)

Fridays for Future stage Global protests
On 25 March, the activism network staged the global climate movement. Hundreds of protests were anticipated in cities throughout the seven continents, beginning from New Zealand and moving west to the US. Responding to the call, protesters marched under the banner “people not profit.” Protesters in Berlin condemned the government’s decision to ignore its climate goals to develop new liquefied gas shipping facilities for imports rather than developing renewables and reducing energy consumption at home. Germany paying millions of euros to Moscow every day for buying harmful fuels affecting the environment enraged the protestors. A Ukrainian protester said: “The war in Ukraine could stop anytime. The EU and especially Germany just need to stop financing this.” (“Fridays for Future protests call for peace and climate justice,” Deutsche Welle, 25 March 2022)

REGIONAL
Serbs in Kosovo protest to vote in Serbia’s election
On 25 March, ethnic Serbs in Kosovo urged the government to allow them to vote in the general election of Serbia. Most of Kosovo’s ethnic Serbs live north of Mitrovica, near Serbia’s border. Ethnic Serbs in Kosovo voted in previous Serbian elections under the watchful eye of foreign observers. That did not happen in Serbia’s national referendum on constitutional reforms, which prohibited ethnic Serbs from voting on Kosovan soil. The United States and other EU countries recognized Kosovo’s declaration of independence from Serbia in 2008. (“Kosovo Serb protest calls for voting rights in Serbia’s election,” Euronews, 25 March 2022)

INTERNATIONAL
The US to increase energy supply to the EU post the gas deal
On 25 March, US President Joe Biden and European commission President Ursula upon signing of the gas bill agreed on importing Liquified Natural Gas (LNG) from the US. This is an attempt to reduce reliance on Russian energy in response to its invasion of Ukraine. Biden stated, “I know that eliminating Russian gas will have costs for Europe, but it’s not only the right thing to do from a moral standpoint, but it’s also going to put us on a much stronger strategic footing.” The ultimate goal is for the US and foreign allies to provide the EU with around 50 billion cubic meters per year. By reducing reliance on Russia, more renewable energy will be generated and improved energy efficiency. (“EU signs US gas deal to curb reliance on Russia,” BBC, 25 March 2022)