Photo : Reuters/Yiannis Kourtoglou
War in Ukraine: Day 42
By Padmashree Anandhan and Ashwin Dhanabalan
War on the ground:
Zelenskyy on sanctions; From the Ukrainian Presidents’ Office; Ukrainian prosecutors on Russian war crimes
Zelenskyy on sanctions against Russia
On 06 April, Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy urged the West to impose further sanctions on Russia in response to what he saw in Bucha. He said: “After what the world saw in Bucha, sanctions against Russia must be commensurate with the gravity of the occupiers’ war crimes.” He further mentioned that if Russian banks continue to function, it would eventually lead to the EU countries trading with Russian energy sources, which would not affect Moscow.
Zelenskyy thanks Ireland
On 06 April, Zelenskyy thanked Ireland’s politicians for extending their support to Ukraine since the initial days of Russia’s invasion. He added: “Thank you for the humanitarian and financial support extended to our country and thank you for your caring about Ukrainian people who found shelter on your land.” He further urged the Irish politicians to push for tougher sanctions on the EU.
From the Ukrainian Presidents’ Office
On 06 April, the Head of the Ukrainian President’s office, Andriy Yermak, said international experts should work on sanctions that could ensure that they are sufficiently destructive. He talked about Bucha and called for a collective call from their partners in the West to ensure effective sanctions. The Deputy Head of the Office, Rostyslav Shurma, called for Russia to be placed on the blacklist of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF). This comes as the officials would meet international experts to get their opinion on sanctions against Russia.
Kuleba to request G7 and NATO for weapons
On 06 April, Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba said that he would appeal to NATO and the G7 for additional weapons on his visit to Brussels. These weapons would be used to counter Russian forces.
Ukrainian prosecutors on Russian war crimes
On 06 April, Ukrainian prosecutors said they were investigating about 4,468 alleged cases of Russian war crimes. This came after reports of the crimes by Russian forces in Bucha emerged. Ukraine’s Prosecutor General Iryna Venediktov said: “Prosecutors and investigators are already examining the area [Kyiv region] and documenting crimes, so that every perpetrator of these atrocities are brought to justice both in national and international courts.” Venediktov further mentioned that the team was collecting evidence for a Hague trial. She added: “Evidence is no longer just war crimes, but crimes against humanity.”
From Mariupol
On 06 April, the Mayor of Mariupol, Vadym Boichenko, confirmed the killing of 5000 civilians in the city. The number included children that had died since the start of Russia’s siege. In addition, Boichenko talked about the bombing of the hospital by Russian forces that killed 50 people. He added that 90 per cent of the city had been destroyed by indiscriminate shelling by the Russians.
Evacuations
On 06 April, eleven humanitarian corridors were agreed upon with Russia. However, evacuees from Mariupol would have to use their own vehicles to leave the port city as the Ukrainian government could not reach there.
On the same day, Ukraine’s Deputy Prime Minister, Iryna Vereshchuk, asked the citizens in Ukraine to leave the Donbas region if possible. She added: “It has to be done now because later people will be under fire and face the threat of death.” She further mentioned that the government could not do much because Russia controlled certain parts of the region. This comes as Severodonetsk, a town in eastern Ukraine, received sporadic shelling.
The Moscow view:
Claims by Russia
Putin calls Serbian President Vucic
On 06 April, Russia’s President Vladimir Putin spoke to Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic on a telephonic call to congratulate him on his victory in the elections. Putin also briefed the situation in Ukraine and expressed hope that the conflict in Ukraine would end soon. A joint statement released stated: “…as Putin said - Russia’s special operation in Ukraine, while President Vucic reiterated Serbia’s position and the conclusions of the National Security Council, which Putin is well aware of.” Vucic had earlier mentioned how Serbia would remain neutral and maintain cordial relations with Russia.
Putin speaks to Hungary’s Prime Minister
On 06 April, Putin spoke to Hungary’s Prime Minister Viktor Orban and discussed Russian-Hungarian relations. Putin further informed Orban about the situation in Ukraine and the status of talks between Moscow and Kyiv. He also mentioned “the Kyiv regime’s gross and cynical provocation in the town of Bucha.”
Maria Zakharova comments on expulsion of Russian diplomats
On 06 April, Russia’s Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Maria Zakharova called the declaration of Moscow’s diplomats as personae non-grata, a political attack. She said: “Over the last decades, the collective West has begun to use the declaration of Russian diplomats as personae non-grata, that is, imposing sanctions on them, isolating them from the opportunity to work in the region they had studied, <...> as a tool not of diplomatic work, but of information and political attack.” She further spoke about how collective solidarity was a public demonstration to create a narrative against Russia.
Zakharova on Bucha accusations
On 06 April, Spokesperson Zakharova claimed that the images of the dead bodies across the town of Bucha were staged. She further mentioned that the images were used to justify sanctions and to derail the ongoing peace talks with Kyiv. She added: “These terrible, criminal fake (images) were published in order to justify another pre-arranged sanctions package, including a large-scale expulsion of diplomats from different countries.”
Russia to maintain diplomatic ties with the West
On 06 April, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Grushko mentioned that Russia would want to keep diplomatic channels open even after European countries expelled its diplomats. He said: “Nevertheless our position remains absolutely the same: we advocate for diplomatic channels to remain open.” However, Grushko also warned that expelling diplomats disrupted the ambassadors’ work done over the years and damaged their interests.
The West view: Responses from the US and Europe
Czech Republic
06 April, the Czech Republic Defence Minister announced the supply of tanks to Ukraine. The same was also shared in a twitter which showed the loading of T-72 tanks and armoured vehicles into train carriages. With the decision being passed, Czech Republic becomes the first EU country to engage in direct supply of weapons to Ukraine. According to Defence Minister Jana Cernochova said: “I will only assure you that the Czech Republic...is helping Ukraine as much as it can and will continue to help by (supplying) military equipment, both light and heavy.”
The US
On 06 April, the US announced new set of sanctions targeting the biggest financial institutions and private lenders. According to Biden, he said the US will first aim at full block on Sberbank and Alfa Bank. Second, locking down of accounts of those holding accounts in the US. He also said that an executive order will be signed banning any form of new investments in Russia. The order will be applicable to 600 companies, the new sanctions also aim to coordinate with the G7 leaders in tightening the sanctions. Third, the sanctions will target, Putin’s daughters and close family members as it observes Putin’s assets to be hidden in their account. It was confirmed by White House Press Secretary, Jen Psaki. On the sanctions he said: “degrade key instruments of Russian state power, impose acute and immediate economic harm on Russia.”
The US military announced the increase in military of USD 100 million to support Ukraine with anti-armour Javelin missiles. This will be the sixth batch of military equipment provided by the US since the start of war. According to the US Pentagon spokesperson, John Kirby: “meet an urgent Ukrainian need for additional Javelin anti-armor systems, which the United States has been providing to Ukraine and they have been using so effectively to defend their country.”
The EU
The European Commission Chief, Ursula von der Leyen said that EU is currently working on additional sanctions on Russia for indulging in war crimes in Ukraine. It plans to ban coal, oil and gas exports.
The UK
On 06 April, the UK Ministry of Defence reported on heavy shelling and continuing airstrikes in Mariupol. In the statement released: “Most of the city’s 160,000 residents have no light, communication, medicine, heat or water. Russian forces have prevented humanitarian access, likely to pressure defenders to surrender.”Along with the US, UK imposed similar sanctions on Russia targeting its banks, ban on new investments, ending of coal, oil, gas, iron and steel imports.
NATO
NATO has decided to hold talks with Foreign Ministers in Brussels to discuss on how to proceed with the next stage of Ukraine war. Nato’s Secretary-General, Jens Stoltenberg commented that Russia’s aim to capture Donbas was to establish a land corridor. He also confirmed that no troops or plans of NATO has been sent to Ukraine. During his address in Brussels, he said: “We have seen no indication that President Putin has changed his ambition to control the whole of Ukraine and rewrite the international order, and we need to be prepared for that.”
The Global Fallouts: International implications of the Ukraine war
India
In the UN Security Council meeting, India for the first time voiced against Russia condemning the killings in Bucha. It called for an independent investigation into the report. Till now India has abstained from voting on resolutions called in the UNSC and UNGA. US has also issued a warning to India for maintaining close relation with Russia and its resistance to levy sanction on Russia. India’s diplomatic stance over Ukraine war is due its military and energy dependency.
MNCs
On 06 April, Chanel which is known for its luxury goods announced that it will henceforth not sell its products to Russia after ending its operations. It added that the sanctions imposed by the EU prohibits the company from selling its items to even the individual who use it in Russia.
ICRC
The International Committee of the Red Cross ICRC confirmed that it has escorted 1,000 civilians who were held by the Russian police force from Mariupol, Zaporizhzhia and areas around. The evacuation was done using private cars and buses, ICRC's Pascal Hundt said: “It was a difficult operation, complex operation, but we really feel relieved that more than 1,000 people managed to leave from hell where they wanted to go.” ICRCs repeated efforts to send aid to people in Mariupol was blocked away by the Russian troops till now.
References:
“Volodymyr Zelenskiy says now is the “crucial moment” for western leaders to impose further sanctions on Russia,” The Guardian, 06 April 2022
“Andriy Yermak, the head of the Ukrainian president’s office, said that international experts need to work with Ukraine to “ensure that sanctions are sufficiently destructive” to Russia.” The Guardian, 06 April 2022
“4,468 Russian war crimes including rape under investigation, prosecutor says,” The Guardian, 06 April 2022
“Over 5,000 civilians, including children, killed in Mariupol," The Guardian, 06 April 2022
“Eleven 'humanitarian corridors' agreed for today – Ukraine's deputy PM,” The Guardian, 06 April 2022
"Donbas: Ukraine tells residents in the east to evacuate,” BBC, 06 April 2022
"Ukraine war: President Zelensky thanks Irish for support,” BBC, 06 April 2022
“Shells and rockets were landing at regular intervals in the eastern Ukrainian city of Severodonetsk today.” The Guardian, 06 April 2022
“Kyiv reports 89 deaths since start of invasion,” The Guardian, 06 April 2022
“Serbia to maintain friendship with Russia while pursuing EU membership, Vucic tells Putin,” TASS, 06 April 2022
“Press review: International probe into Bucha unlikely and EU purges Russian diplomats,” TASS, 06 April 2022
“West uses expulsion of Russian diplomats as information and political attack — diplomat,” TASS, 06 April 2022
“Moscow says Bucha accusations meant to derail peace talks, justify more sanctions,” Reuters, 06 April 2022
“Putin ally Medvedev vows international legal battle over property seizures,” Reuters, 06 April 2022
“Russia says it wants to keep diplomatic ties with West despite expulsions,” Reuters, 06 April 2022
“Telephone conversation with Prime Minister of Hungary Viktor Orban,” Kremlin.ru, 06 April 2022
“Guardian Live,” The Guardian, 06 April 2022
“BBC Live,” BBC, 06 April 2022
IN BRIEF
By Emmanuel Royan and Sai Pranav
GERMANY
Raids across the country for suspected neo-Nazi groups
On 06 April, Germany’s federal police raided residences and meeting places of suspected neo-Nazi groups throughout the country. The raids primarily targeted the neo-Nazi groups Atomwaffen Division (AWD), Combat 18 (C18), and Knockout 51 (K51). The State prosecutor’s office stated four suspects were arrested, including the leader of K51.AWD is a neo-Nazi terror group made up of loosely organised terror cells that began in the US. At least five homicides have been traced to members of the US organisation. C18 was initially formed in the UK in the 1990s as the far-right British National Party’s street-fighting wing. They took part in neo-Nazi rallies and far-right music festivals. K51 was targeted for attempting to establish a “Nazi hood” in Eisenach, Thuringia, in eastern Germany. The group was labelled a criminal organisation by Germany’s Attorney General. (Alex Berry, “Germany conducts nationwide raids on neo-Nazi groups,” Deutsche Welle, 06 April 2022)
GREECE
24-hour labour strike held in Athens due to inflation
On 06 April, the labourers went on a strike against the increasing price and decreasing wage in front of the Parliament in Athens. The two largest labour unions consisting of 2.5 million workers, came together to strike against the growing inflation in the country. A courier worker said: “Our life now is just being in debt,” as basic living standards were unaffordable. The increase in energy and housing prices was induced by the sanctions and the war in Ukraine. As a result, Greece’s consumer inflation surged up to 7.2 per cent in February. The General Confederation of Greek Workers demanded an increase of the gross monthly minimum wage up to 13 per cent. However, the government only increased it to two per cent. The government further said it would increase the gross monthly minimum wage by 01 May. (Phoebe Fronista and Karolina Tagaris, “Thousands protest as Greek workers strike over high prices, low wages,” Reuters, 06 April 2022)
REGIONAL
Malta ordered to terminate the golden passport scheme
On 06 April, the European Commission notified Malta to end its investor citizenship scheme, also known as the “Golden Passport.” The Commission believes that awarding EU citizenship in exchange for pre-determined expenditures or investments, without any genuine connection to the Member State, is unacceptable under EU law. Malta has been given two months to reply to the notification; an unsatisfactory response may direct the matter to the European Court of Justice (ECJ). The Commission stated: “Every person that holds the nationality of an EU Member State is at the same time an EU citizen. EU citizenship automatically gives the right to free movement, access to the EU internal market, and the right to vote and be elected in European and local elections.” (“EU threatens legal action over Malta's 'golden passport' scheme,’ Deutsche Welle, 06 April 2022)
The EU’s Top diplomat, Josep Borell urges Europe to send more arms to Ukraine
On 06 April, Vice-president of the EU, Josep Borell, exclaimed about the wide expenditure gap between Russia and Ukraine. Borell said that the EU had paid EUR 35 billion to Russia for energy since the war began and only EUR one billion to fund Ukraine's defence. He stated: “We have to continue arming Ukraine. We need less rounds of applause and more assistance,” urging Europe to send more arms to Ukraine. Borell regretted that the EU had grown reliant on fossil fuel sources from oppressive governments on its borders and emphasized that Europe’s energy independence was contingent upon renewable energy. (“EU has spent €35bn on Russian energy since the war began and just €1bn on aid to Ukraine - Borrell,” Euronews, 06 April 2022)
ECDC recalls chocolate products citing salmonella contamination
On 06 April, the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) further investigated the rise of salmonella cases in multiple countries linked to chocolate products. The outbreak is characterised by an exceptionally high number of children being hospitalised, some with severe symptoms. The first case was reported in the UK in January. As a result, product recalls have been issued in Belgium, France, Germany, Ireland, Luxembourg, and the UK to avoid the consumption of possibly contaminated Salmonella products. The outbreak comes within days after French health officials connected Nestlé's Buitoni frozen pizza brand to severe E.coli contamination cases. (“EU officials investigate salmonella cases linked to Kinder chocolate eggs,” Euronews, 06 April 2022)
Bosnia-Herzegovina: Dayton Accords to be re-examined
On 06 April, Deutsche Welle examined the need to reform the Dayton Accords of 1995, and the role of the EU in promoting democracy in the region, following the commemoration of the day of Sarajevo. The Dayton Accords, signed by the presidents of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, and Serbia on 21 November 1995, ended the conflict in Bosnia and Herzegovina and outlined a General Framework Agreement for Peace in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The report suggested that the Peace Implementation Council (PIC) and Office of High Representative (OHR) be transformed into working institutions with the authority to amend the Dayton Agreement. Furthermore, the country must be offered a clear path to EU membership and economic assistance to improve living conditions. The report concluded by stating that the effective weapons we may use to resist the control of powerful cliques in post-communist countries are democracy, the rule of law, prosperity, and integration into the EU. (Rüdiger Rossig, “If Dayton Accords are not reformed, the agony of Bosnia-Herzegovina will be prolonged,” Deutsche Welle, 06 April 2022)