War in Ukraine: Day 64
By Padmashree Anandhan and Ashwin Dhanabalan

War on the ground:
Zelenskyy’s address, cruise missile attacks on Kyiv, and Mariupol 
Zelenskyy on the Russian missile strikes 
On 28 April, Ukraine’s president Volodymyr Zelenskyy addressed the two Russian cruiser missile strikes on Kyiv. He called on the people of Ukraine and mentioned that the recent strikes were a reminder not to let their guard down. He stated how Russia’s shelling of Mariupol did not stop even when the UN secretary-general visited Moscow and Kyiv. He added: “Russian missile strikes at Ukraine - Kyiv, Fastiv, Odesa, and other cities - again prove that we cannot let our guard down. We cannot think that the war is over. We still have to fight. We still have to drive the occupiers out.” He further thanked the US for their support and for approving the WWII-era lend-lease program to bring military equipment to Ukrainian forces and called for a strong response to Russia’s strikes.  

Zelenskyy on Ukraine’s estimated damages
On 28 April, Zelenskyy claimed that the total damages of war inflicted upon Ukraine totalled USD 600 billion. He added: “More than 32 million square meters of living space, more than 1,500 educational facilities and more than 350 medical facilities have been destroyed or damaged.” In addition, according to him, more than 11.5 million Ukrainians had fled their home, and about five million had gone abroad. He stated that most of the damage inflicted was on railways, roadways and bridge infrastructure. 

Russia’s cruise missile attacks on Kyiv
On 28 April, following a missile strike on the western part of Kyiv, the citizens said they were still in shock. A person inside the building mentioned: “We heard the first strike. And then a second missile hit the building. We don’t know if people died.” The attack occurred as the UN secretary-general was visiting Kyiv. 

Russian soldiers accused of human rights abuses in Bucha 
On 28 April, Ukraine’s deputy prime minister Iryna Venediktova mentioned that they were able to identify and name 10 Russian soldiers that were allegedly involved in human rights abuses at Bucha. The ICC has been ramping up its investigation of alleged war crimes committed in Ukraine. 

On the same day, she mentioned that Russia had handed over 12 civilians and 33 soldiers. However, she did not mention how many Russians were involved in the exchange. 

Deported Ukrainians in Russia mistreated
On 28 April, a red cross volunteer Volodymyr Khropun shared how Russians were detaining Ukrainians and torturing them in occupied regions. Volodymyr said: “We were beaten with rifles, punched, and kicked. They blindfolded me and tied my hands with duct tape. They used Tasers and kept asking for information about the military.” 

FM Kuleba on missile strikes in Kyiv
On 28 April, Ukraine’s foreign minister Dmytro Kuleba called the strikes by Russia on Kyiv an act of heinous barbarism. He added: “Russia [struck] Kyiv with cruise missiles right when UN secretary-general Antonio Guterres and Bulgarian PM Kiril Petkov visited our capital. By this heinous act of barbarism, Russia demonstrates once again its attitude towards Ukraine, Europe and the world.” 

Bomb strikes on Azovstal plant
On 28 April, a local official mentioned that the Russian forces were shelling the Azovstal steelworks as hundreds of fighters and civilians are still believed to be trapped. Chief of the Mariupol patrol police said: “First, there was a massive airstrike using seven Tu-22M3 aircraft. Then there were more than 50 airstrikes. Apparently, either the Su-25s worked, or the Su-24s.”

Concerning the exhibits in the museums of Mariupol
On 28 April, the Mariupol city council claimed that Russian forces removed more than 2,000 unique exhibits in museums. The council stated: “Mariupol City Council is preparing materials for law enforcement agencies to initiate criminal proceedings and appeal to Interpol.”

Presidential advisor thanks Germany
On 28 April, Ukraine’s presidential advisor Mykhailo Podolyak thanked Germany for providing “heavy weapons and complex [weapons] systems”. This comes as the Bundestag passed a vote to shift Germany’s policy on sending heavy equipment to Ukraine. The petition read: “Alongside the broad economic isolation and decoupling of Russia from international markets, the most important and effective means to stop the Russian invasion is to intensify and speed up the delivery of effective weapons and complex systems including heavy arms.” 

Ukraine’s parliamentary energy committee reassures the country
On 28 April, Ukraine’s parliamentary energy committee head Andriy Herus assured the country that it had enough gas and electricity for its needs. He added: “Today, if we talk about gas volumes, we have enough. We consume less gas than is produced and even Today gas is pumped into underground storage facilities.” 

The Moscow view:
Claims by Russia 
Protests in Russia against the withdrawal of Western brands
On 28 April, mysterious art installations were set up in St Petersburg, which read: “we will replace”. The word ZAMESTIM was made up of letters, and each first letter was for an international brand that suspended operations in Russia. BBC stated: “Z is for Zara. A is for Adidas. M means McDonald’s…” This comes as hundreds of international companies had pulled out of Russia in protest of Moscow’s invasion of Kyiv. 

Putin threatens the West
On 28 April, Russia’s president Vladimir Putin warned against any foreign intervention in Ukraine. He mentioned that if any country intervened in Ukraine, they would face a lightning-fast response. He further said: “We have all the tools no one can boast of... we will use them if necessary...in what is seen as a reference to ballistic missiles and nuclear arms.”

Blasts in Russian city near Ukraine
On 28 April, Russian authorities said two blasts were heard in the Russian city of Belgorod near the border with Ukraine. Russia has been reporting a series of attacks lately by Ukrainian forces near Belgorod and other southern regions that border Ukraine. Russia’s foreign ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova said that the Ukrainians were testing their patience. 

Russia accuses OSCE of mishandling information
On 28 April, authorities in Russia accused the Organisation of Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) of handing over the information of Russian forces to the West and Ukrainian intelligence. OSCE has been monitoring its missions since 2014 in eastern Ukraine, where Russian backed separatists have been fighting Ukraine’s army. 

Russia alleges cyber provocation by Ukraine, the US, NATO 
On 28 April, Zakharova said Moscow had evidence that mentioned how the Kyiv regime was preparing major cyber provocations against Russia. She said: “The Kiev regime, the US and the West, including NATO and EU institutions, collectively have started preparations for a major cyber provocation. We have been getting the evidence.” Earlier, Ukraine’s vice prime minister said that “the world’s first cyber army composed of around 300,000 technicians has been formed,” in Ukraine. 

Zakharova on the West encouraging Kyiv to attack Russia
On 28 April, foreign ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova accused the US of pushing Kyiv to attack Russia using NATO weapons. Zakharova mentioned: “We have already commented the other day on statements by British Deputy Defense Minister [James] Heappey about okaying Ukraine’s strikes on Russian military targets.” She further stated that the Ukrainian military’s criminal activities would be held accountable, and Ukraine’s strikes would lead to a harsh response from Russia.

The West view:
Responses from the US and Europe
The US
On 28 April, the US Justice Department brought focus on “sanction evasion and export control violations” in its white-collar enforcement program. According to deputy attorney general Lisa Monaco: “The way that multinational companies have to think about how these sanctions regimes are going to be affecting their businesses is critically important, and something we should be having conversations about.” Through this, the acts of bribery and payments by the MNCs to foreign officials will be banned and prohibited.

On 28 April, a research team from Microsoft Corp found that close to six hacker groups from Russia had been involved in hundreds of cyberattacks in malfunctioning of computers in Ukraine. When tracking the attacks, it saw that many kinetic military manoeuvres had been used to disrupt the operations and along with cyber espionage. According to Microsoft’s vice president of customer security and trust: “The attacks have not only degraded the systems of institutions in Ukraine but have also sought to disrupt people’s access to reliable information and critical life services.”

NATO
On 28 April, Finland and Sweden approached NATO for membership, secretary-general Jens Stoltenberg said that NATO will be open to welcoming both countries into joining the alliance. He said: “Finland and Sweden are our closest partners, they are strong, mature democracies, EU members, and we have worked with Finland and Sweden for many, many years.” Apart from this he also remarked that both countries met the standards of NATO armed forces and the alliances hoped to work together to build forces and enhance military exercise.

Poland and Bulgaria
On 28 April, on Russia’s move to halt the gas supply to Poland and Bulgaria, Europe accused Russia, of calling it to blackmail. As a result, the prices of natural gas increased across Europe.
Bulgaria’s prime minister, Kiril Petkov on his visit to Kyiv discussed on energy exports and promised to import electricity into Bulgaria and the Balkans. He also vowed to supply natural gas through a “trans-Balkan pipeline.”

Germany
On 28 April, Germany’s parliament officially agreed to supply Ukraine with heavy weapons to fight against Russia. The announcement comes after approval from the conservatives, and a smaller far-Right Alternative. Previously the government had announced a U-turn policy marking the supply of modified tanks to Ukraine.

The Global Fallouts:
International implications of the Ukraine war
MNCs
One of the renowned France automakers, Renault SA announced to transfer of 68 per cent of Russia’s share to a NAMI which is a state-owned automotive company. The plan has been set in a way for the France car company with an option to buy back the share after five to six years. The entity was observed to be continuing its operations earlier in Russia and had attempted to reform its supply chain to meet the gaps in missing parts for manufacturing due to sanctions. Once the attempts failed, leading to the depletion of cash reserves of the company, the decision was made.

On 28 April, agricultural companies such as Archer Daniels Midland Co., Bunge Ltd. BG and Cargill Inc. have largely benefitted due to the Ukraine War. The gain comes due to sustaining demand for global foods despite the rising prices. The supply of wheat, corn, livestock feed, and vegetable oils has narrowed down due to the war and bad weather conditions in South America. Thereby the above companies which deal with the exchange of the agricultural commodities have benefitted from the crop-supply crunch. According to chief executive Greg Heckman: “These market disruptions are rerouting many traditional trade flows and contributing to crop price inflation. Industry margins spiked globally due to the combination of continued strong demand and an even tighter supply outlook.”

The UN
On 28 April, secretary-general of the United Nations, Antonio Guterres post the visit to Moscow, met president Zelenskyy. After the meet, Guterres observed Bucha, where mass graves were found and the area has come under the target of the war-crime investigation. During his visit, he said: “I appeal to the Russian Federation to accept to cooperate with the International Criminal Court. But when we talk about war crimes, we cannot forget that the worst of crimes is war itself.” Apart from his visit to Bucha, during the meeting with president, he expressed his deep concerns about the view of damaged buildings and on families that were killed in the war.

The UN high commissioner reported that so far 5,372,854 people had left Ukraine, out of which three million have crowded into Poland. This has resulted in 200,000 children registering for Poland’s public school system since the Ukraine war.

References: 
“Zelenskiy says Russian missile strike requires 'strong response’,” The Guardian Live, 28 April 2022 
“Ukraine’s prosecutor general has named 10 Russian soldiers allegedly involved in human rights abuses during the month-long occupation of Bucha, near the Ukrainian capital Kyiv,” The Guardian Live, 28 April 2022
Yogita Limaye, “War in Ukraine: Ukrainians deported to Russia beaten and mistreated,” BBC Live, 28 April 2022 
“Ukraine’s foreign minister has responded to the strikes in Kyiv, calling the attack a heinous act of barbarism,” The Guardian Live, 28 April 2022 
Emma Graham-Harrison, “Russia hits Kyiv with two cruise missiles,” The Guardian Live, 28 April 2022 
“More information is trickling out about two large explosions heard in the Ukrainian capital Kyiv earlier,” The Guardian Live, 28 April 2022 
"Massive bombing strike’ on Azovstal plant, says Mariupol official,” The Guardian Live, 28 April 2022 
“The Mariupol city council has posted on Telegram to claim that more than 2,000 unique exhibits from the museums of Mariupol have been removed by Russian forces,” The Guardian Live, 28 April 2022 
“Ukrainian presidential adviser, Mykhailo Podolyak, has thanked Germany after lawmakers voted overwhelmingly in favour of providing Kyiv with “heavy weapons and complex [weapons] systems,” The Guardian Live, 28 April 2022 
“The head of Ukrainian parliament’s energy committee has attempted to reassure the country that energy supplies are secure in the short term,” The Guardian Live, 28 April 2022
"Russia considers gas and trade as a weapon, Zelenskiy says,” The Guardian Live, 28 April 2022
“War has cost Ukraine $600bn, Zelenskiy says,” The Guardian Live, 28 April 2022 
“Ukraine war: Explosions rock Kyiv after UN chief meeting, Guterres safe,” Euronews, 28 April 2022
Steve Rosenberg, “Support, silence and protest: Russians’ reactions to Ukraine offensive,” BBC Live, 28 April 2022 
Yaroslav Lukov, “Ukraine war: Putin warns against foreign intervention,” BBC Live, 28 April 2022
“Two powerful blasts heard in Russian city near Ukraine border - witnesses,” Reuters, 28 April 2022 
Guy Faulconbridge, “Russia warns West: Don't test our patience,” Reuters, 28 April 2022 
“Russia accuses OSCE of handing information to Western intelligence,” Reuters, 28 April 2022
“Ukraine, US, NATO preparing major cyber provocation, Russia says,” TASS, 28 April 2022 
“West encouraging Kiev to attack Russia with NATO-supplied weapons, says diplomat,” TASS, 28 April 2022 
“Press review: Ruble set for gold peg and EU braces as Russia freezes gas to Eastern Europe,” TASS, 28 April 2022 
“OSCE chairman-in-office, secretary general announce SMM to Ukraine to close soon,” TASS, 28 April 2022
“Renault in Talks to Sell Russia Business for One Ruble,” WSJ, 28 April 2022
“Grain Traders’ Profits Rise as Ukraine War Tightens Global Food Supply,” WSJ, 28 April 2022
“Hackers Linked to Russia Launched Hundreds of Cyberattacks in Ukraine, Microsoft Says,” WSJ, 28 April 2022
“Sanctions Turn Into New Priority for Justice Department,” WSJ, 28 April 2022
Joanna Sugden and James Marson, “U.N. Chief in Ukraine to Meet Zelensky,” WSJ, 28 April 2022
Joanna Sugden, “More Than Three Million Ukrainian Refugees Crossed Into Poland, Official Says,” WSJ, 28 April 2022
James Graff , “U.N. Chief Visits Destroyed Ukrainian Towns Formerly Held by Russian Forces,” WSJ, 28 April 2022
Bojan Pancevski, “German Parliament Approves Arms Shipments to Ukraine,” WSJ, 28 April 2022
Sune Engel Rasmussen, “NATO Chief Says Sweden, Finland Welcome in Alliance,” WSJ, 28 April 2022
Peter Saidel, “Bulgarian Leader Discusses Energy Supply With Zelensky During Kyiv Visit,” WSJ, 28 April 2022

IN BRIEF
By Emmanuel Royan and Sai Pranav

POLAND
Air traffic controllers dispute with the government temporarily resolved 
On 28 April, air traffic controllers reached an agreement with the government in a dispute over pay and conditions at work. The air traffic controllers’ notice period has been extended until 10 July under the agreement's provisions, while the Polish Air Navigation Services Agency (PANSA) will begin an organisational audit and restructuring. The parties will continue to debate over salary and work conditions. Travel disruption was anticipated to begin on 01 May, the day following the end of a notice period for air traffic controllers who earlier had chosen to resign rather than accept new regulations. The new regulation was an effect of a decree passed by the government to limit the number of flights flying into Warsaw’s two airports. (“Poland dodges flight chaos as controllers reach interim deal,” Reuters, 28 April 2022)

REGIONAL
EU’s border agency accused of illegal pushbacks of asylum seekers
On 28 April, a new investigation revealed that the EU’s border and coast guard agency- Frontex, was involved in the illegal pushback of 957 asylum seekers in the Aegean Sea. The investigation was jointly led by Lighthouse Reports, Der Spiegel, SRF, Republik, and Le Monde. The agency’s internal incident report database, Jora, revealed to have logged observations of asylum seeker pushbacks in the Aegean Sea between March 2020 and September 2021. Authorities classified these incidents as “prevention of departure.” This is defined in the  Frontex standards as an occurrence in which migrants from non-European countries are intercepted in its territorial seas and are returned to their point of origin. (Rhal Ssan, “Investigation claims Frontex involved in Aegean sea migrant pushbacks,” Euronews, 28 April 2022)

Russia’s response to the EU sanction troubles Europe
On 28 April, European Commission warned Russian gas buyers to adhere to sanctions if the payment method was converted into roubles. Recently, Gazprom announced to cut the gas supplies to Poland and Bulgaria, post their rejection to pay back in roubles. Russia issued a statement asking its exporters to pay in roubles back for the gas bought. Where buyers have to deposit into an account at Gazprombank which then converts Dollars or Euros into Roubles and then proceedings are placed in another account of the buyer which makes it possible for the payment in Russian currency. This system will break some of the EU  sanctions imposed on Russia.  The EU countries demanded clearer information from the officials on this issue. (Kate Abnett and Francesco Guarascio, “Europe struggles for clarity on Russia's roubles-for-gas scheme,” Reuters, 28 April 2022)

Bundestag speaker attended Holocaust memorial service in Israel
On 28 April, German Bundestag president Barbel Bas took part in Israel's Holocaust memorial ceremony. She is the first German high official to attend the ceremony. The Nazis had killed 6 million Jews during the Holocaust. Bas visited the site of commemoration and called for Germany to counter rising anti-Semitism in the world. She visited Knesset and Yad Vashem memorials. She and officials from Israel lit candles to honour the dead. Naftali Bennett addressed Yad Vashem stating that nothing that is happening right now should be compared to Holocaust. (“German representatives attend Israel's Holocaust commemoration,” Deutsche Welle, 28 April 2022)