Photo : European Commission
18 April 2023, Tuesday | NIAS Europe Daily Brief #490
War in Ukraine, Day 418:
EU condemns Poland, Hungary and Slovakia for banning grain imports from Ukraine
By Padmashree Anandhan
War on the Ground
On 17 April, Ukraine’s Defence Ministry stated that Ukraine drones will be able to fly now to Moscow and more further. The Ministry also met with the US Department of Defence to discuss on strengthening bilateral relations in defence collaboration. On the same day, the Deputy Defence Minister Hanna Malier observed the situation in Bakhmut. He said: “The enemy's offensive in the east continues. Bakhmut and Maryinka remain at the epicenter of hostilities.” The shelling in Bakhmut is on peak with heavy artillery, damaging all the buildings in the city.
On 17 April, Ukraine forces General Staff, Oleksiy Reznikov reported on continuing attacks in Bakhmut and Marjinka by Russia’s forces. He provided an estimate of 182,000 Russian soldiers to have died in the war.
The Moscow View
Claims by Russia
On 16 April, Russia’s President Vladimir Putin welcomed China’s Defence Minister Li Shangfu. During the meeting, Putin stated that the discussion had focussed on cooperation on useful information, military-technical, and joint military exercises. He said: “Undoubtedly, this is another crucial area that strengthens the extremely trusting, strategic nature of our relations.”
On 17 April, Russia’s Foreign Minister in the meeting with Brazil’s Foreign Minister Mauro Vieira expressed Russia’s interest to end the Ukraine soon. He appreciated Brazil for understanding the situation.
The West View
Responses from the US and Europe
On 17 April, Slovakia’s Defence Ministry announced the delivery of 13 MiG-29 fighter jets, which was earlier promised to Ukraine. Along with Poland, Slovakia pledged to give jets and urged the other EU countries for a “fighter het coalition.”
On 17 April, in response to the grain import ban by Poland, Hungary, and Slovakia the European Commission expressed its objection. Commission’s spokesperson Miriam Garcia stated that the EU member states cannot decide its trade policy by its own. She said: “In such challenging times, it is crucial to coordinate and align all decisions within the EU.” While Poland and Hungary countered stating the competition its local farmers faced, Slovakia took a similar decision over pesticides.
The Global Fallouts
Implication of the War
On 16 April, China’s Defence Minister Li Shangfu after the meeting with Putin highlighted the importance of relation shared between China and Russia. He said that the equation goes above military and political alliance during the cold war and it was very stable.
On 17 April, the G7 Foreign Ministers released a statement assuring support to Ukraine. The Japan Foreign Ministry, in its statement said: “Committed to intensifying, fully coordinating and enforcing sanctions against Russia.” It also criticised Russia for transferring nuclear tactical weapons to Belarus. The Ministers also vowed to coordinate to prevent Russia from circumventing the sanctions imposed. During the meeting, the G7 group also signed an agreement to block Russia from getting access to nuclear energy market.
References
“US, Ukraine defense ministers discuss current situation at front,” Ukrinform, 17 April 2023
“In Bakhmut sector, enemy increases number of airstrikes, artillery attacks – Defense Ministry,” Ukrinform, 17 April 2023
“Putin meets with Chinese defense minister,” RT, 16 April 2023
“Ukrainian drones can reach Moscow and further – Budanov,” Ukrinform, 17 April 2023
“G7 members seek to push Moscow out of nuclear energy market,” RT, 17 April 2023
“Kiev gives rough information on the number of its own losses,” Frankfurter Allgemeine, 17 April 2023
“Ukraine updates: Chinese defense minister meets with Putin,” Deutsche Welle, 17 April 2023
IN BRIEF
By Padmashree Anandhan
CZECH REPUBLIC
Protestors gather for second time demanding for the resignation of the government
On 16 April, Associated Press reported on a rally in Prague by thousands of people protesting against inflation. They demanded for the resignation of the government. Earlier a similar rally took place on 11 March organised by a latest found political party under “against the poverty” slogan. The protestors blamed the EU, and the Czech government for the inflation and called for the resignation. (“Thousands turn out for anti-government protest in Prague,” AP News, 16 April 2023)
SCOTLAND
ONS reports drop-in unemployment rate
On 18 April, Office for National Statistics (ONS) reported on the reduction in the unemployment rate in Scotland. According to the report the rate was at three per cent between December and February, which was lowest since 1992. The difference would 75.7 per cent below the UKs rate. It also showed an annual growth in the regular pay which marked at 6.6 per cent. According to Wellbeing Economy Secretary Neil Gray: “Certain industries still face recruitment challenges so we are continuing to call on UK ministers to establish a joint taskforce on labour market shortages.” (“Unemployment in Scotland falls to record low,” BBC, 18 April 2023)
THE UK
Rishi Sunak to be investigated on declaration of interest
On 17 April, BBC reported on the upcoming investigation of the UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak by the Parliamentary standard watchdog. According to the report, the investigation will be carried out under para six of the MPs code of conduct. It is aimed to find if his “declaration of interest was open and frank.” Relating to the childcare where shares are owned by Rishi Sunak’s wife. The investigation body will analyse if any rule has been breached after the enquiry. It is considered serious when breached which may lead to the suspension from the “House of Commons.” Sunak stated that his wife’s interest was already declared and will ensure to take steps to prevent “any potential conflict of interest.” (Vicki Young & Joshua Nevett, “Rishi Sunak investigated over declaration of interest,” BBC, 17 April 2023)
REGIONAL
Sweden to hold joint military exercise to prepare ahead for a possible attack in future
On 17 April, Sweden’s Armed Forces announced its launch of largest military exercise called “Aurora 23.” The exercise will include soldiers from the US, the UK, France, Germany and Nordic countries. It is aimed to train for a probable armed attack on Sweden. According to the Armed Forces: “Together with military units from our partner countries we build security and, concurrently, reinforce the Swedish operational capability.” In the exercise, uniformed soldiers, land vehicles will go around the base and airports. (“Sweden starts largest military exercise in over 25 years,” Deutsche Welle, 17 April 2023)