Global Politics

15 April 2022, Friday| NIAS Europe Daily Brief #176

War in Ukraine: Day 50

Germany’s foreign minister stops at Niger on her West Africa tour; Criticism arose over the UKSPF; Assylum seekers sent to Rwanda from the UK; Germany plans to buy four floating LNG terminals

Photo : Reuters/Alexey Pavlishak/File Photo

War in Ukraine: Day 50
By Padmashree Anandhan, Ashwin Dhanabalan and Rishma Banerjee

War on the ground:
Zelenskyy on 50 days of war

Zelenskyy’s address
On 14 April, president Zelenksyy referred to how the Ukrainians had survived 50 days of the war when the Russians had said that they will take Ukraine over in just five days. He said: “But they didn’t know how brave Ukrainians are, how much we value freedom and the possibility to live the way we want.” He also said that the European countries who are still buying oil from Russia were “making money out of blood.” Zelenskyy called for further support, especially with regard to weapons, emphasising how urgently they need the weapons.

Ukraine’s military
Ukraine's military also released a statement on the occasion of 50 days of the war in Ukraine. They also highlighted the war proceeds from a defence perspective. With the rising Russian offensive in the east of the country, like in the Ukrainian-Belarusian border of Brest, and Gomel, along with Kharkiv and Donetsk. They also mentioned how the Russian forces stormed the port-city of Mariupol but were unsuccessful and that they were conducting the investigation in Slobozhansky in northeastern Ukraine. The military also claimed on destruction of a tank, four armoured units, six vehicles, and a Russian artillery system.

Ukraine’s foreign ministry
Ukraine’s foreign minister Dmytro Kuleba urged Germany to make their decision regarding a promised delivery of weapons soon. The consignment of arms, as coordinated by the Federal Chancellery has been delayed by red tape and because of the approval needed by several ministries to do so.

They also elaborated on their fears of Ukrainian children being trafficked by Russia. They said that the self-proclaimed republics of Donetsk and Luhansk were allegedly planning to sign memorandums with the Russian Education Ministry, about the children in this region. The ministry also wrote letters to the UNHCR, UNICEF, and the Red Cross about possible kidnappings of Ukraine’s children.

Russia’s missile cruiser sinks
On 14 April, the Black Sea fleet sank. This happened after a huge explosion destroyed its vessel. Moscow and Kyiv had different explanations for the same, but Ukraine offered the narrative that they had struck the ship with a Neptune Missile. This move will definitely be boosting Ukrainian morale, as this is the first Russian ship to sink since the Second World War. This also marks the first time that Ukraine used their 300 km range missiles, which they had reportedly received in March last year.

Other developments
On 14 April, Deputy prime minister Iryna Vereshchuk reported that 2557 people had been evacuated from the country through the humanitarian corridors that have been established. Out of them, 289 people left by their own transport from the besieged port of Mariupol.

On 14 April a UN committee said that 2.7 million Ukrainian people with disabilities were at risk in the war-torn country. Many were reportedly trapped or without the safety of their homes, care centres or orphanages. The committee said: "People with disabilities have limited or no access to emergency information, shelters and safe havens, and many have been separated from their support networks, leaving them unable to respond to the situation and navigate their surroundings.”

The Moscow view:
Claims by Russia
Putin’s comments
On 14 April, Russia’s President Vladimir Putin said that Russia’s energy export will be expanded to Asia. He warned the European countries for adopting alternatives in place of Russia’s energies and causing economic instability. The revenue from the energy sector accounts for 36 per cent of Russia’s spending and a larger part came from Europe.

Warnings and accusations
Russia’s Security Council deputy chairman Dmitry Medvedev warned that if Sweden and Finland joined NATO, Russia will boost it defence. He also added that the possibility of being “nuclear free” will close down.

Russia accused Ukraine of targeting its residential area. It reported that two low-flying military helicopters armed with heavy arms were launched in Klimovo, which injured seven people along with a child. The governor of Russia’s Belgorod region reported similarly on the shelling of residential towns. In the statement released: “Two military helicopters... carried out at least six airstrikes on residential buildings in the settlement of Klimovo.”

Russia’s Defence Ministry
On 14 April, Russia’s Defence Ministry reported on the explosion of its vessel Moskva. In the statement released, it said: “The cruiser Moskva's ammunition has detonated as a result of a fire on the warship. The vessel is seriously damaged. The entire crew have been evacuated. The cause of the blaze is being investigated.” The Ukrainian forces had stated that that vessel was attacked using Neptune missiles. Previously, the Moskva warship was under attack by Ukrainians calling for surrender, later Russia confirmed that the ammunition which were stored in the ship had exploded.

Russia’s Radiation, Chemical and Biological Protection Troops, chief, Igor Kirillov confirmed on Ukraine’s purchase of 50 drones that are usable to spray deadly chemicals. He said: “According to available data, in January 2022, Ukraine purchased through intermediary companies over 50 such craft that can be employed for using biological substances and toxic chemicals.”

Russia claimed that close to 1000 troops of Ukraine marines in Mariupol have surrendered. The information was denied by the deputy mayor of Mariupol, but Russia broadcasted a video showing the marines giving up their steelworks in the port.

The West view:
Responses from the US and Europe
The US
On 14 April, the US was deliberating about sending high ranking US officials to meet Zelenskyy in Kyiv. However, the White House is likely to send the secretary of state or secretary of defence instead of Biden or vice-president Kamala Harris.

Poland
On 14 April, Poland's border guard stated that 2.73 million people had fled to Poland since the war began. However, the number of refugees crossing the border has decreased since Russian troops started withdrawing from the north and from around the Kyiv region. At the same time, many refugees have already left Poland, with only about 1.2-1.4 million remaining.

The UK
On 14 April, the UK government announced that two more men linked to Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich would be placed on the sanction list. Eugene Tenenbaum and David Davidovich were also owners of the Chelsea Football Club. The assets frozen under the new sanctions amount to GBP ten billion.

France and Jersey
On 14 April, the countries of France and Jersey said they had frozen assets belonging to Roman Abramovich as a response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine. France froze assets worth GBP 20 billion while Jersey froze assets of GBP five billion. The Jersey police have also stepped up their search to find properties belonging to Abramovich.

On 14 April, France's foreign minister Jean-Yves Le Drian announced that France would move its Ukrainian embassy back to Kyiv. He added: ``This redeployment will happen very soon and allow France to deepen its backing for Ukraine even further in all spheres to face the war unleashed by Russia on 24 February."

Ireland
On 14 April, Ireland's foreign and defence minister Simon Coveney visited Kyiv in a show of support for Ukraine. Ireland's department of foreign affairs stated that his visit was to "provide political, security and humanitarian support to Ukraine; assist Ukraine in its application for EU candidate status; take forward further EU sanctions on Russia; and hold Russia to account for its brutal and unjustified invasion".

On the same day, Coveney mentioned that even though Ireland was a neutral country, it was not neutral in this war and conflict. He further announced EUR three million in funding to the ICC and EUR one million to the prosecutor's office.

Moldova
On 14 April, Moldova’s foreign minister Nicu Popescu said: "These are not actions that contribute to peace for all of us, for our citizens, for our families, and these are dangerous things and should be discouraged." His statement came as a response to a question by a journalist about Russia's attempts to recruit people in Transdniestria. Transdniestria is a part of Moldova controlled by Russian separatists.

Lithuania
On 14 April, Lithuania's prime minister Ingrida Šimonytė dismissed warnings of Russia on Vilnius joining NATO. She added: "That Russia threatens, it is nothing new. Kaliningrad is a very militarized zone, has been for many years, and it is in the Baltic region." Šimonytė has supported the baltic countries joining NATO as it greatly benefits the countries and their security.

The EU
On 14 April, the EU stated that it was able to close a loophole that allowed its member countries to export weapons worth tens of millions to Russia in 2021. The EU had placed an embargo on its members from exporting weapons to Russia since its annexation of Crimea in 2014. However, member countries were able to export weapons worth EUR 39 million through the loophole.

On the same day, The EU stated that its payment for Russian gas in rubles would violate the bloc's sanctions. The EU commission released an internal note on this matter saying: "This mechanism would lead to a breach of the existing EU restrictive measures adopted in respect of Russia, its government, the Central Bank of Russia, and their proxies."

Also, on 14 April, European Central Bank chief Christine Lagarde said the war in Ukraine was severely impacting the eurozone economy. He added: "The impact of the war on the economy will depend on how the conflict evolves, on the effect of current sanctions and on possible further measures."

The Global Fallouts:
International implications of the Ukraine war
China
On 14 April, China’s foreign ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian defended China’s stance in the war by saying: “Time will prove that China’s position is on the right side of history.” In addition, Zhao responded to the US’ criticism for not participating in Western sanctions against Russia. However, earlier, Beijing clarified that it was not doing anything to circumvent sanctions.

Citigroup
On 14 April, Citigroup said it set aside USD 1.9 billion in reserves to counter uncertainties created by the War in Ukraine. The group said: “related to Citi’s exposures in Russia and the broader impact of the conflict in Ukraine on the macroeconomic environment.” The measures come as a response to its 46 per cent decline in profits for the first quarter, while its revenues dipped two per cent.

World Cup
On 14 April, the match between Ukraine and Scotland, which was postponed due to the war, was scheduled for 01 June. The teams will have their playoff at Hampden Park in Glasgow. The winner of the match would play against Wales for a spot in the World Cup in Qatar in November and December.

IMF
On 14 April, the International Monetary Fund warned that the war in Ukraine and the resurfacing of COVID-19 cases in China were directly lowering this year's economic growth. The IMF’s managing director stated: “We are facing a crisis on top of a crisis… “We will be projecting a further downgrade in global growth for 2022 and 2023.” The war in Ukraine accentuated high inflation rates globally amid concerns about oil and gas, wheat and fertiliser supplies.

UN
On 14 April, the UN stated that its World Food Programme (WFP) would increase by USD 136 million in West Africa due to the rise in global prices of food and fuel. The WFP regional director Chris Nikoi said: “With the unfolding conflict in Ukraine, ports and suppliers are no longer accessible with shipments from the wider Black Sea delayed or simply cancelled.” West African countries import 30-50 per cent of their wheat from Russia and Ukraine.

On the same day, a UN committee stated its concerns for the lives of 2.7 million people with disabilities in Ukraine who were at risk due to the war. The committee stated: “People with disabilities have limited or no access to emergency information, shelters and safe havens, and many have been separated from their support networks, leaving them unable to respond to the situation and navigate their surroundings.”

IN BRIEF
By Emmanuel Royan and Sai Pranav

GERMANY
Germany’s response to its dependency on Russian gas
On 14 April, Germany said it was planning to lease four floating liquified natural gas terminals at EUR three billion. The finance minister had formulated the plan without the consent of the German parliament. The investment was proposed as an alternative to Russian gas. Germany has to forgo its Nord Stream 2 pipeline usage as its most significant natural gas supplier Russia, has waged war against Ukraine. As a result, Germany hopes to be independent of Russian gas imports by mid-2024. It further plans to decrease its dependency on the Russian energy supply by lowering its consumption and using existing energy sources. At the same time, it plans to look toward countries like Algeria and Libya for natural gas pipelines and usage of existing terminals in France, Belgium and the Netherlands. (Jon Shelton, “Germany earmarks €3 billion for floating LNG terminals,” Deutsche Welle, 14 April 2022)

Foreign minister Baerbock visits Niger to discuss humanitarian and military aid
On 14 April, foreign minister Annalena Baerbock visited Niamey, Niger’s capital, as a part of her West Africa Tour. She urged immediate action to tackle hunger in Niger and other parts of the unstable Sahel region, citing growing food costs and the destructive impact of climate change. Baerbock asked the international community to increase their food relief efforts during a visit to the Ouallam refugee camp. Baerbock met with Niger’s foreign minister Hassoumi Massoudou to assess the country’s security situation and if there was a need to send more German troops to fight terrorists in the region. Massoudou urged an increase in Germany’s involvement in training Niger’s military training and joint missions. (“Germany's Baerbock urges faster aid 'to avoid hunger crisis' in Niger,” Deutsche Welle, 14 April 2022)

THE UK
Shared Prosperity Fund is far behind the EU’s funding levels
On 14 April, criticisms arose over the UK’s Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) designed to replace EU grants which were terminated due to Brexit. The government’s Shared Prosperity Fund will only give EUR 2.6 billion over the next three years and will not meet the previous EU funding level of EUR 1.5 billion per year until 2025. Think tanks and politicians have condemned the settlement, while the Welsh government claims it would lose more than EUR one billion in funding over the next three years. According to the think tank IPPR North, compared to the average EU funding, the Shared Prosperity Fund dropped by 43 per cent. The director of the Northern Powerhouse Partnership, Henri Murison, said: “These funds helped young people find work, supported small businesses and backed vital medical research – cutting it will have catastrophic consequences for our economy.” (Josh Halliday, “‘An outrage’: Tories’ post-Brexit fund will not match EU grants until 2025,'' The Guardian, 14 April 2022)

REGIONAL
Netherlands sending patriot missiles to Slovakia under NATO treaty
On 14 April, the Dutch Patriot anti-aircraft missile system was sent to Slovakia to protect the NATO treaty area and its population against possible missile strikes. The Dutch have also sent 150 soldiers to Slovakia that are to be stationed alongside German soldiers at the Sliac airbase. After Russia invaded Ukraine, these anti-aircraft systems were transported to Slovakia for precautionary measures. Slovakia also showed its support for Ukraine by sending S-300 anti-aircraft systems to defend itself from Russian forces. The Netherlands would defend Slovakia with the Patriot air defence system. (“Dutch Patriot missile systems heading to Slovakia,” NL Times, 14 April 2022)

INTERNATIONAL
Jhonson calls Rwanda a safe place for migrants
On 14 April, UK prime minister Boris Johnson said that illegal immigrants would now go to Rwanda for refuge. This new set of immigrant policies encouraged unauthorised migrants to move to Rwanda and establish new lives for themselves. Concerning Rwanda's poor human rights records, Johnson responded that the country has changed, and it has become one of the safest places in the world. The home secretary Priti Patel visited Kigali, the Rwandan capital, to sign an "economic development partnership". Johnson further stated that the policies were needed to cut large expenditures on the hotels and save countless lives from human trafficking. He also said that the Royal Navy would patrol the Channel for the safety of the country and also to intercept any illegal immigrants. (Rajeev Syal, “Tens of thousands of asylum seekers could be sent to Rwanda, says Johnson,” The Guardian, 15 April 2022)

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