Photo : Артём Геодакян, ТАСС
28 April 2023, Friday | NIAS Europe Daily Brief #499
War in Ukraine Day: 428
By Padmashree Anandhan
War on the Ground
On 27 April, Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy reported on attacks in Mykolaiv city. Missile attacks are observed to have been launched from the Black Sea, killing more than 23 civilians and destroying residential buildings. Mykolaiv city is known for its shipbuilding and consists a population of 470,000 before the war began. Till Russia has denied the accusations of attacking residential buildings.
On 27 April, Ukraine Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal reported on the phone conversation with Pope Francis. The discussion focused on establishing a way to execute Zelenskyy’s “peace formula.” In response, Russia’s spokesperson Dmitry Peskov stated that Russia welcomed “anything” to settle the conflict.
The Moscow View
Claims by Russia
On 27 April, Kremlin reported on Russia’s President Vladimir Putin’s visit to Rudnevo, an industrial zone of Russia. The visit aimed to examine the UAV production along with operators of unmanned aerial systems. A meeting was held by Putin with the representatives of the UAV producing organisations. During the meeting, Putin highlighted the importance of UAV production and the need to push investment from 500 billion roubles to a trillion.
On 27 April, Kremlin reported on Putin’s meeting with Russia’s Association of Fertilizer Producers, the head on fertilizer production. According to the report, Russia had overtaken the US and India and stays in second place after China with an increase of 40 per cent in its output. Despite the increase in production, the exports had reduced by 15 per cent due to the Black Sea block. The report highlighted how the Ukraine Grain deal had been extended many times while Russia’s demand to export its agricultural and fertilizer products still remain unattended. On the same, Putin said: “Sanctions were imposed by countries that do not particularly need our fertilizers, and the developing markets now suffer from it.”
The West View
Responses from the US and Europe
On 27 April, tensions over the extension of the grain deal emerged as Russia warns of rejecting the extension if its previous demands are not met. On the same, Germany’s Agricultural Minister Cem Özdemir asked Russia to stick to the deal as Ukraine’s grain exports were key to Global South and Ukraine survival in the war. He said: “Russia wants to let the agreement expire already in mid-May — 60 days … Putin is accepting the loss of human life for his criminal war of aggression.”
On 27April, Council of Europe’s, Parliamentary assembly which is responsible for ensuring human rights and the rule of law passed a resolution stating children who were forcibly deported from Ukraine will be considered in a Genocide. Earlier, ICC issue of warrant against Putin under charges of “abducting children” have also added pressure on Russia.
References
“Russia overtakes US in fertilizer production – official,” RT, 27 April 2023
“Visit to the industrial park "Rudnevo",” Kremlin.ru, 27 April 2023
“Meeting with the President of the Russian Association of Fertilizer Producers Andrey Guryev,” Kremlin.ru, 27 April 2023
“Presentation of organizations in the field of unmanned aircraft systems,” Kremlin.ru, 27 April 2023
“Ukraine updates: PM tells pope call with Xi was productive,” Deutsche Welle, 27 April 2023
IN BRIEF
By Padmashree Anandhan
FINLAND
Orpo announces a coalition bid; negotiations remain to be settled
On 27 April, Finland’s National Coalition Party leader Petteri Orpo announced his bid to join the Finns Party, the Swedish People's Party and the Christian Democrats to form a coalition government. Orpo said: “We really have big challenges ahead, we have to make difficult decisions, we have to make savings, we have to make reforms but I think they can be done and with this combination I think we can do it.” After the announcement, the negotiation between the parties will take place, if successful it will ensure 108 seats in the parliament replacing Sanna Marin’s government. The key challenge remains as consensus over immigration, asylum, and skilled workers differ. (“Finland's election winner seeks coalition with far-right, Deutsche Welle, 27 April 2023
HUNGARY
Pope Francis to meet Orban and Ukrainian refugees
On 28 April, Deutsche Welle reported on the schedule of Pope Francis in Hungary for next three days. During the visit, the pope is expected to meet the Hungary’s Prime Minister Victor Orban to discuss on the Ukraine war, migration, and Hungary’s equation with the EU. Orban tweeted: “In troubled times like ours, it is essential to remember what keeps us together, and faith is the foundation upon which we can build a stable future.” Pope is also expected to meet Hungary’s President, Katalin Novak and to later meet 35,000 Ukrainian refugees in Hungary.
CLIMATE CHANGE
Spain’s extreme temperatures impact farmers and the low income class
On 27 April, BBC reported on Spain’s latest temperature record of 38.8 degree Celsius. Spain’s meteorological service stated that the temperature had increased by 10 to 15 degrees which was hotter than predicted. The reason behind the heatwave was due to mass air from Africa, along with climate change. Increased temperatures are also due to reduced capacity of reservoirs and the ground ability to absorb heat as its already in drought condition. The impact of the heat has been felt among the low-income class, farmers, and land owners who have not been able to tackle due to financial risks and drawbacks. (Matt McGrath & Guy Hedgecoe, “Climate change: Spain breaks record temperature for April,” BBC, 27 April 2023)
INTERNATIONAL
Turkey reports fire on its evacuation plane
On 28 April, Turkey’s Defence Ministry reported fire on its evacuation plane in Sudan’s airbase, Wadi Saidna. According to the report, no one was injured. Sudan’s army criticised the Rapid Support Fighters (RSF) for firing at the plane’s fuel system, while the RSF denied the accusation. On 27 April, “rival military factions” agreed for an extension of the ceasefire, which did not last long as RSF positions were attacked with army jets. According to Turkey’s Defence Minister, the evacuation attempts will continue to help Turkish out from Sudan. (“Sudan crisis: Turkish evacuation plane fired on,” BBC, 28 April 2023)