Photo : Alkis Konstantinidis/Reuters
War in Ukraine: Day 58
by Padmashree Anandhan, Ashwin Dhanabalan and Rishma Banerjee
War on the ground
Zelenskyy's address
On 22 April, in his daily update, Zelenskyy said that the Russian stronghold in the east of Ukraine was only temporary and would eventually be forced to retreat by Ukraine's troops. He referred to various Russian tactics to establish control and said they would be futile. He said: "None of these steps will help Russia in the war against our state. They can only delay the inevitable - the time when the invaders will have to leave our territory. In particular, Mariupol - a city that continues to resist Russia, despite everything the occupiers say." According to BBC, Russia has been successful in capturing 42 villages in the eastern Donetsk region. Zelenskyy also reiterated how all countries "must immediately be prepared" to cut-off ties with Russia and accept the necessary sanctions to help Ukraine. He mentioned that Ukraine's allies were finally delivering the weapons they had promised, and it was coming at the most crucial time in the war.
Ukraine's Defence Ministry on Russia launching further strikes
Ukraine's defence ministry spokesperson Oleksandr Motuzyanyk said that Russia's army identified the areas east of the country where it will launch its main strikes. He also said that the Russian activity had been most pronounced in the Izyum-Barvinkove direction, near Popasna, Severodonetsk, on the Zaporizhzhya-Donetsk road and in Mariupol. He also reported the presence of two Russian warships, which can carry Kalibr cruise missiles, in the Black Sea.
Mariupol mayor on civilian evacuation
On 22 April, the mayor of Mariupol, Vadym Boychenko, expressed his discontent about how the civilians in Mariupol were being evacuated amidst rising tensions and dwindling resources in the port city. In an interview with Reuters, He said that 100,000 people were still stuck in the city, but Russia was not cooperating with the process of establishing humanitarian corridors. He said: "They asked us to give them a map of where the evacuation will start from - we gave them the map. (They asked) how many buses do you have? We gave the number of buses. And they destroyed and demolished all of those places, they destroyed our buses." He also mentioned that these people's lives were solely in Putin's hands. The mayor's advisor, Petro Andryushchenko, said that a new mass grave has also been discovered near Mariupol. He urged journalists to find photos of the grave on satellite images and said that it was in the Livoberezhnyy district near the Vynohradne village cemetery.
Zaporizhzhia: Transport aircraft goes down
On 22 April, according to the BBC, one of Ukraine's planes, AN-26, undergoing a "technical flight" crashed in the Vilnia district of the Zaporizhzhia region. It was a military transport aircraft. The Zaporizhzhia regional military administration said there were casualties, and the causes and reasons for the crash are being verified.
Kharkiv: 30 per cent of the population has fled, says the mayor
On 22 April, according to the BBC, Kharkiv's mayor told BBC that about 30 per cent of the population had fled the city, but still, about one million people were there, awaiting evacuation. He mentioned that Russin forces continued shelling residential areas and said: "This is not a war of soldiers against soldiers, it is the killing of a nation."
Other developments
The World Bank said that Ukraine's building and infrastructure had sustained damages worth an estimated USD 60 billion. This, does not include the economic costs of the war. President Zelenskyy also referred to this and said that Ukraine would be needing an estimated USD 7 billion per month to make up for the heavy economic losses.
On 22 April, Deputy Prime Minister Iryna Vereshchuk, who is in charge of coordinating the humanitarian corridors, said that Ukraine will not be able to establish any humanitarian corridors. She said on social media: "Due to the danger along the routes today, 22 April, there will be no humanitarian corridors… To all those waiting to be evacuated: be patient, please hold on!"
The sinking of the flagship of Russia's Black Sea Fleet, the Moskva has been a veritable turning point in the war. On 22 April, it was declared that the wreckage of the ship will be declared one of Ukraine's underwater cultural heritage. The ship which sank 80 miles from Odesa, is at a depth of 45-50 metres, according to the Ukrainian Military TV
It was also reported that Ukraine's national postal service Ukrposhta experienced a cyberattack on Friday following the sales of a postage stamp which was offensive to the Russian eye. After the sinking of the Moskva, queues had formed outside the postal headquarters to buy this stamp, when it went on sale.
The Moscow view:
Claims by Russia
President Putin's remarks
Russia's President Vladimir Putin during the call with the European Council, President affirmed that the direct talks will be possible only with Ukraine's President Zelenskyy. He also pointed out that Ukraine was rigid in mutual solutions and varying in negotiations.
Russia Defence Ministry
The Defence Ministry agreed to stop the attacks on the Azovstal steelworks to allow the workers and civilians trapped inside the factory. In the statement issued: "We once again declare that Russia is ready at any moment to introduce a regime of silence and announce a humanitarian pause for the evacuation of civilians."
On 22 April, Defence Ministry claimed that it had taken down 58 military targets of Ukraine over one night, the damage also includes striking of S-300 anti-craft missiles, fuel depots and military equipment.
On 22 April, Russia's deputy military commander, Maj Gen Rustam Minnekayev said that Russia was planning to take complete control of the easter and southern part of Ukraine. He said: "Since the beginning of the second phase of the special operation, which has already begun just two days ago, one of the tasks of the Russian army is to establish full control over Donbas and southern Ukraine. This will provide a land corridor to Crimea, as well as affect the vital facilities of the Ukrainian economy." He added a significant development on southern Ukraine, stating Minnekayev in southern Ukraine would give Russia access to Transnistria which will enable take a part of Moldova to Russia's troops.
The West view:
Responses from Europe
The US
On 22 April, the Organisation of American States (OAS), announced that until the hostility situation ends, Russia will be banned from participating in the forum as a permanent member. The US secretary of the state said: "We do not stand on the sidelines in the face of the Russian government's violations of international humanitarian law and human rights abuses."
The EU
European Council President, Charles Michel reiterated Russia's losses and mistakes in a call with President Putin. He also urged Putin to give immediate access to Ukraine for evacuation through humanitarian corridors.
Germany
Germany which has been under recent public criticism for sending military support to Ukraine still continues to train the Ukraine soldiers with German-made weapons. Till now 55 per cent of Germans have voted to send 55 per cent of heavy weapons and 37 per cent have voted against it. When compared to the US and the UK, Germany has sent fewer number weapons, but the chancellor sees the supply of tanks as reasonable.
The UK
On 22 April, the UK prime minister Boris Johnson disclosed on the training of the Ukraine forces on using armoured vehicles of the UK. To support Ukraine, the UK has provided 120 armoured vehicles to be used as patrol vehicle. Along with this, the schedule is also set for training on Samaritan ambulance, and Samson armoured reconnaissance vehicles. Johnson said: "I can say that we are currently training Ukrainians in Poland in the use of anti-aircraft defence, and actually in the UK in the use of armoured vehicles." Apart from this, Johnson appreciated Ukraine's efforts in withstanding and fighting hard against Russia. On the question of India's stance, Johnson remarked that prime minister Modi strong language on the violence in Bucha and India's need for peace was accepted. He added: "The only option he now has, really, is to continue to try to use his appalling, grinding approach driven by artillery, trying to grind the Ukrainians down."
UK defence ministry reported that Russia's move to lay block on Azovstal steel plant was an indication of Russia's strong resistance in Mariupol. According to the ministry: "A full ground assault by Russia on the plant would likely incur significant Russian casualties, further decreasing their overall combat effectiveness." It also observed on the continued attacks by Russia in Krasnyy Lyman, Buhayikva, Barvinkove, Lyman and Popasna. Apart from that it also found that due to the losses suffered by the Russia's troops, Russia was recuperating by sending back its inoperable machines into Russia to repair.
The UK announced to send "challenger 2 main battle tanks" to resupply the T-72 tanks which in turn will be sent by Poland to Ukraine. It will be an addition to the armoured vehicles sent by the UK to Ukraine.
The Global Fallouts
International implications of the Ukraine war
Japan
On 22 April, amid the war in Ukraine, Japan stated that Russia illegally occupied the disputed islands between Moscow and Tokyo. Japan last called these islands illegally occupied back in 2003. This comes as relations between the two countries have been deteriorating.
Taiwan
On 22 April, Taiwan's foreign minister, Joseph Wu, mentioned to Kyiv's mayor Vitali Klitschko that their country was feeling the situation faced by Ukraine. He added: "…and therefore feel the current situation faced by Ukraine as though it is happening to ourselves." Taiwan also announced that it would donate USD three million to Kyiv and USD five million to Ukrainian medical institutions.
The UN
On 22 April, a report by the UN stated that more than 11 million people fled their homes in Ukraine. According to the UN's international organisation for migration, about 6.5 million people were internally displaced within Ukraine. The UN currently is working on providing cash to the refugees to pay for food and rent. They also provided folding beds to people in the bomb shelters and set up reception and transit points for the internally-displaced people. Furthermore, the report mentioned the countries that the refugees headed to, the mode of transportation and what help these countries offered to the refugees.
On the same day, UN chief António Guterres announced that he would be meeting with Russia's foreign minister Sergei Lavrov in Moscow. UN chief's spokesperson Eri Kaneko said: "Guterres hopes to talk about what can be done to bring peace to Ukraine urgently." This comes as Guterres had asked Russia's president Vladimir Putin and Ukraine's president Volodymyr Zelenskyy to receive him separately in Kyiv and Moscow.
Also, on 22 April, the UN monitoring mission in Ukraine documented the unlawful killings of 50 people in Bucha. The UN human rights commissioner Michelle Bachelet added: "We know much more needs to be done to uncover what happened there and we also know Bucha is not an isolated incident." The mission received allegations that Russian forces had killed more than 300 civilians unlawfully in the regions of Kyiv, Chernihiv, Kharkiv and Sumy.
IMF
On 22 April, the IMF stated that Europe could stay without Russian gas supplies for six months, But after that, the economic impact of independence from Russian gas would be severe. IMF's European department head Alfred Kammer said: "…if that gas shut off were to last into the winter, and over a longer period, then that would have significant effects." He further called for steps to prepare for the worst possibilities and stated that the loss of Russian gas could cost the EU three per cent of its GDP.
IAEA
On 22 April, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) head Rafael Grossi stated that he would be visiting nuclear plants in Ukraine in the upcoming days. This was in an effort by the IAEA to deter a nuclear accident during the conflict in the country. Grossi said: "The IAEA's presence at Chernobyl will be of paramount importance for our activities to support Ukraine as it seeks to restore regulatory control of the plant and ensure its safe and secure operation."
References:
“Ukraine's Zelenskiy: allies finally delivering weapons Kyiv asked for,” Reuters, 23 April 2022
“Mariupol mayor appeals for 'full evacuation' as Ukrainian safe corridors falter,” Reuters, 22 April 2022
“Ukraine's postal service hit by cyberattack after sales of warship stamp go online,”Reuters, 22 April 2022
“Russia blockaded steel plant to contain Ukraine resistance - UK MoD,” BBC Live, 22 April 2022
Damien McGuinness, “Germany steps up weapons supply amid public criticism,” BBC Live, 22 April 2022
“BBC Live,” BBC, 22 April 2022
“How many Ukrainians have fled their homes and where have they gone?,” BBC Live, 22 April 2022
"Europe can get by without Russian gas for six months, but beyond that, the economic impact would be severe,” The Guardian Live, 22 April 2022
“Here’s more on the meeting between the United Nations secretary general, António Guterres, and the Russian president, Vladimir Putin, in Moscow next week,” The Guardian Live, 22 April 2022
“UN warns of ‘a horror story of violations against civilians’ in Ukraine,” The Guardian Live, 22 April 2022
“The head of the UN atomic watchdog has said he will visit Ukraine’s Chornobyl nuclear plant next week,” The Guardian Live, 22 April 2022
“Taiwan’s foreign minister, Joseph Wu, told Kyiv’s mayor, Vitali Klitschko, that his country was feeling the situation faced by Ukraine “as though it is happening to ourselves,” The Guardian Live, 22 April 2022
“Japan says disputed islands ‘illegally occupied’ by Russia,” The Guardian Live, 22 April 2022
IN BRIEF
By Rishma Banerjee
The UK
Stafford town sets up Carbon Bubble to encourage citizens toward the net-zero goal
On 22 April, a huge inflatable made of bio-degradable nylon has been set up in Stafofrd town. This symbolises a tonne of carbon, and has been installed to commemorate Earth Day, and encourage people towards achieving the goal of net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. Conservative Councillor Victoria Wilson said: "It's very difficult for people to understand what carbon actually looks like, so this is a great way to make people aware.. We want them to think how they can change their daily activities to reduce carbon emissions." The bubble was transported in electric vehicles and has been filled with fossil-free Green D+ fuel made with 100% renewable energy. (“Carbon Bubble in Stafford town centre highlights emissions,” BBC News, 22 April 2022)
FRANCE
France’s presidential candidates exchange taunts ahead of Sunday’s vote
On 22 April, it was reported that the fight for the French presidency between centrist Emmanuel Macron and Marine Le Pen had turned bitter. The candidates have reportedly resorted to exchanging taunts as the campaign closes before Sunday’s impending presidential run-off vote. Macron said that electing Le Pen would be dangerous as it would turn France into a society of “hate and fracture.” Le pen reported to these accusations by saying that using such old accusations of extremism was a mere weakness of president Macron.(“French election: Macron and Le Pen trade taunts as campaigning ends,” BBC News, 22 April 2022)
INTERNATIONAL
Finland and Sweden conduct a joint naval exercise
On 22 April, it was reported that the navies and Finland and Sweden have jointly conducted anti-submarine warfare (ASW) exercises in the Gulf of Finland. This was part of a cross border training exercise, in order to improve international interoperability and to train the personnel as well. This might be all the more relevant given how both the countries are contemplating joining NATO. Finland’s Commander Toni Joutsia, who led the exercise said: “The exercise is a part of the close cooperation conducted by Finland with Sweden. Participating in international training activities is important, because it demonstrates, maintains and develops our national defence.” (“Finnish Navy Trains ASW With Swedish Submarine,” Naval News, 22 April, 2022)
REGIONAL
EU climate researchers say 2021 was the “year of extremes”
On 22 April, climate researchers of the EU, in their annual report said that 2021 has been a year of extremes for Europe. Copernicus Climate Change Service wrote that the contrast was particularly higher in 2021. It was the hottest year on record, and Belgium, the Netherlands and Germany went through extreme rainfall and severe flooding. Italy recorded a record of 48.8 degrees temperature and Greece, and Turkey witnessed devastating wildfires. According to their calculations, 800,000 hectares of the Mediterranean of nature reserves were affected by fires. There was also low wind speed in parts of in Western and Central Europe, mainly in Germany, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Ireland, and the United Kingdom, which hampered renewable energy generation. (“Hottest summer, floods, fires: 2021 was a “year of extremes”,” NL Times, 22 April 2022)