Photo : nato.int
21 April 2023, Friday | NIAS Europe Daily Brief #493
War in Ukraine: Day 421
By Padmashree Anandhan
War on the Ground
On 20 April, Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, during the visit of the NATO Chief, stressed how a majority of the Ukrainians support joining NATO and that it was the right time to decide. He also requested help to handle the challenges posed by allies in sending specific weapons - "long-range, modern aviation, and armoured vehicles."
On 20 April, Ukraine claimed destroying 21 such drones along with "55 ground attacks." The fight in Bakhmut is also observed to be intense fighting increasing day by day.
On 20 April, Kyiv city Mayor, announced the termination of the "land lease deal" held with Russia. This means Russia will have to return the property. According to the Mayor, the appeal by the Cabinet of Ministers had been put forward to Russia to return the "diplomatic establishment" to Ukraine.
The Moscow View
Claims by Russia
On 20 April, Russia's Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov during his meeting with Nicaragua's President Daniel Ortega criticised the role of the US and its allies in thriving their "hegemony" in the Ukraine conflict. According to Ortega: "Today, the United States sanctioned three judges because they have applied justice against terrorists. We already have hundreds of fellow state officials sanctioned, but we are no longer afraid of that." The reason for the criticism was the US announcement on sanctioning three Nicaraguan judges for taking away the citizenship of opponent party members.
On 20 April, in response to the NATO Chief's visit, Russia's spokesperson stated that Russia sees Ukraine's NATO membership as a threat and will lead to serious security danger.
The West View
Responses from the US and Europe
On 20 April, NATO's Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg visited Ukraine for first time since the war. On the question of Ukraine joining NATO, Stoltenberg said that its accession would be a priority in its agenda in the upcoming July summit. He added: "Ukraine's future is in the Euro-Atlantic family, Ukraine's future is in NATO, all allies agree on that." The surprise visit was due to Ukraine's ongoing preparation for the "Spring counteroffensive." In his address, he highlighted that EUR 150 billion support being provided by NATO allies and training help to the soldiers. Although the time period of the war was unknown he stressed that Russia's aggression has to be "stopped."
On 20 April, POLITICO reported on Denmark and Netherlands' announcement of sending 14 Leopard 2 tanks to Ukraine. Netherlands' Defence Minister stated that Ukraine's determined fight against Russia had given it a strong motivation to support it continuously. The tanks are estimated to cost EUR 165 million and are expected to deliver by early 2024.
On 20 April, Deutsche Welle reported on the end of the Petersburg Dialogue. The aim of the dialogue was to identify issues relating to civil society groups, think tanks and decision makers from Germany and Russia. This was formed to pursue a different channel of dialogue with Russia.
On 20 April, Estonia's Defence Minister announced to send 155 mm ammunition to Ukraine. This will be under the EU agreement to send one million rounds of artillery ammunition to Ukraine. In a statement, the Minister said: "The Estonian initiative to send a million rounds to Ukraine was approved by the EU institutions with unprecedented speed and now Ukraine needs quick decisions from its European Allies to make sure these rounds reach Ukraine."
References
"Secretary General in Kyiv: NATO stands with Ukraine," NATO, 20 April 2023
"Lavrov conveys Putin's greetings to Nicaraguan president," TASS, 20 April 2023
"Those seeking to shake situation in Nicaragua from outside were defeated, says Lavrov," TASS, 20 April 2023
Wilhelmine Preussen, “More Leopards for Ukraine: Denmark, Netherlands to send 14 tanks,” POLITICO, 20 April 2023
"Estonia sending more ammunition to Ukraine," ERR News, 20 April 2023
"Ukraine updates: NATO chief makes surprise visit to Kyiv," Deutsche Welle, 20 April 2023
IN BRIEF
By Padmashree Anandhan
THE UK
Deputy Prime Minister resigns over allegations of bullying civil servants
On 21 April, UK's Deputy Prime Minister Dominic Raab resigned from the government over bullying allegations. Earlier, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak tasked a senior lawyer to investigate eight formal complaints from many civil servants over Raab's conduct during his role as Justice Secretary, Foreign Secretary, and Brexit Secretary. Although Raab denied bullying, accepted to resign if evidence was found. The details of the investigation report are yet to be disclosed, but more than the resignation, questions have arisen over why Sunak did not ask him to resign. This has created a weaker image of Sunak on the governance of the Tory Party. ("LIVEDominic Raab resigns over bullying report," BBC, 21 April 2023)
CLIMATE CHANGE
Spain faces worst drought conditions due to increased temperatures
On 19 April, Spain's Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez remarked the drought situation as an "emergency." In 2022, the temperatures have increased to 1.3 degrees, highest since 1960 and by 2023 it has increased to 1.6 degrees. Of all area's Catalonia has been observed to be the most affected and in past three years the water level in northern Catalonia had reduced to 27 per cent. Similarly, in L'Espluga de Francoli, people have been saving water ahead to tackle through water rationing. The key reason behind the drought condition was due to worsening climate change resulting in increased water evaporation. ("Spain's drought a 'national concern,' PM says," Deutsche Welle, 19 April 2023)
INTERNATIONAL
Macron and Biden call brings out the difference over sharing responsibilities in transatlantic security
On 20 April, French President Emmanuel Macron held a call with US President Joe Biden to discuss the "geopolitical vision." Macron stressed on Europe's "Strategic autonomy policy" to keep away from the crisis that are not related to Europe and called to be a "third pole" in the context of the US and China. He added: "Being an ally does not mean being a vassal." In response, the White House release a statement highlighted on assuring peace and stability across Taiwan Strait and discussion of shared values among the both. In a statement released by the Elysee Palace: "The importance of European countries continuing to re-arm themselves in order to take on their responsibilities in sharing the burden of transatlantic security."
US assures security guarantee for Sweden; Urged Turkey and Hungary to ratify soon
On 19 April, US Secretary of Defence, Llyod Austin in the meeting with Sweden's Defence Secretary Pal Jonson assured US's support to fasten Sweden's membership into NATO. Turkey and Hungary which are yet to ratify, are expected to approve before NATO summit in July. He promised for security assurance to Sweden and urged Turkey and Hungary to ratify soon. The visit also marked for discussion on defence cooperation to ease the US military support process. According to Jonson: "It could be about tariffs and taxes. It could be about pre-stocking of defence material, but it is too early to say." (Charles Szumski, "US urges Turkey, Hungary to ratify Swedish NATO application before summer," EURACTIV, 20 April 2023)