Photo : SCMP/AFP
07 April 2023, Friday | NIAS Europe Daily Brief #481
War in Ukraine, Day 407:
Xi aligns with Macron in preventing the further escalation of the Ukraine war
By Padmashree Anandhan
WAR ON THE GROUND
On 06 April, Ukrinform reported on Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's address in Warsaw. In his remarks, he highlighted how the freedom of Ukraine, Poland, Slavic and Baltic countries freedom mattered as it guaranteed strength. With a better guarantee, the higher chances remain to hold Russia accountable. During the visit, Zelenskyy announced the latest defence package agreed upon by Poland. This will include “150 Rosomak armoured personnel carriers, 50 Rak self-propelled mortars, and 100 Piorun MANPADS,” worth up to EUR two billion.
On 06 April, the war update of Ukraine Armed Forces reported on the continued attacks in Bakhmut, Avdiivka and Marinka by Russia. Although it countered 20 such attacks, the situation remains the same with more than 10 MLRS, seven air strikes and missile strikes targeted in “Volyn, Polissia, Siverskyi and Slobozhanskyi directions.”
THE MOSCOW VIEW
Claims by Russia
On 06 April, TASS reported on the Wagner Group Head, Yevgeny Prigozhin comments on Ukraine forces' position in Bakhmut. The fight lasting for more than six months, Prigozhin reported that there was no sign of Ukraine forces moving out of the area and criticized Russia for not supporting the Group. Russia’s Defence Minister, Sergei Shoigu stated that Ukraine's forces had been cornered into a “battle of attrition” and upon capture, Russia would benefit from expanding into the east.
On 06 April, in response to NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg's criticism on Russia moving its nuclear weapons into Belarus, Russia’s spokesperson Dmitry Peskov countered, stating it was done in defence of the NATO’s expansion towards Russia. He said: “It is NATO that is expanding toward Russia, not Russia that is taking its military infrastructure towards the borders of NATO.”
THE WEST VIEW
Responses from the US and Europe
On 06 April, French President Emmanuel Macron, during the meeting with China’s President Xi Jinping released a joint statement assuring the call for “peace talks” between Ukraine and Moscow at the earliest. In the meeting, Macron stated how the Russia war had become a setback for international stability and stressed on China’s role in bringing Russia for negotiation.
On 06 April, Lithuania’s Parliament adopted a resolution for the upcoming NATO summit and invited Ukraine to join NATO. The document mandates the need for Ukraine to join NATO: “to sign accession protocols, and launch the ratification process once conditions allow.” According to the Parliamentary Committee on Foreign Affairs, Chairman highlighted how Ukraine could add value to Lithuania’s security and make NATO more strong.
On 06 April, on the investigation of damage to Nord Stream Pipeline, Sweden’s Prosecuting Authority stated that the due to the “nature of crime” it was challenging to find out the responsible actor. The explosion, which took place 262.5 feet below the ocean floor in the Baltic Sea, the investigation team of Sweden has committed duly to find the criminal despite the challenges. Along with Sweden, Germany also began the investigation in March.
On 06 April, the intelligence update of the UK Ministry of Defence reported on the dismissal of Russia’s Eastern Group of Forces (EGF) Commander. According to the report, the EGF Commander was dismissed due to a high casualty rate, failure to capture the town of Vuhledar, and increased internal criticism.
THE GLOBAL FALLOUTS
Implications of the war
On 06 April, in the meeting with Macron, Xi released a joint statement agreeing to call the international community to prevent the escalation of the Ukraine crisis. He urged cooperation between China and France in “food, energy, finance and transport sectors” in the phase of Ukraine war. Xi said: “[China and France should] adhere to the general direction of a China-France comprehensive strategic partnership….to practise true multilateralism and maintain world peace, stability and prosperity.”
References
“Freedom of Ukraine, Poland to help freedom prevail in Moldova, come to Belarus – Zelensky,” Ukrinform, 06 April 2023
“Details of Poland’s defense order for Ukraine revealed,” Ukrinform, 06 April 2023
“War update: Bakhmut, Avdiivka, Marinka remain the hottest spots in eastern Ukraine,” Ukrinform, 06 April 2023
“Kiev's forces on the defensive in western part of Artyomovsk — Wagner founder,” TASS, 06 April 2023
Burc Eruygur, “Russia says taking steps to balance ‘entire security architecture’ in Europe amid NATO expansion,” Anadolu Agency, 06 April 2023
“Lithuanian parliament adopts aspirations for NATO Vilnius Summit,” Lrt.lt, 06 April 2023
“Ukraine: Unclear who sabotaged Nord Stream — Sweden,” Deutsche Welle, 06 April 2023
Kawala Xie, “In meeting with Macron, Xi Jinping calls on China and France to push for political solution to Ukraine crisis,’ SCMP, 06 April 2023