Escalation in Eastern Europe: Highlighting Significant Incidents on Day 394 of Russia-Ukraine Conflict
In the ongoing 394-day Russia-Ukraine conflict, here's a recap of the key developments as of March 24, 2023:
Putin's Arrest Warrant: The International Criminal Court (ICC) has issued an arrest warrant for Russian President Vladimir Putin over allegations of war crimes, such as the forced deportation of Ukrainian children to Russia. However, it's highly unlikely that Putin will be arrested anytime soon due to his political position and Russia's stance on the ICC's jurisdiction. This warrant has, however, limited Putin's travel abroad, affecting his diplomatic engagements.
Hungarian Standoff: Hungary claimed Putin would not be arrested if he enters the country despite the ICC warrant. Hungarian officials argue that the Rome Statute, which established the ICC, hasn't been integrated into the Hungarian legal system, providing no basis for his arrest. A potential bid to apprehend Putin under the ICC warrant could be considered a "declaration of war," according to former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev.
Ukraine-EU Talks: EU leaders met with Ukrainian President Volodmy Zelenskyy, discussing the possibility of providing Ukraine's forces with advanced weaponry, particularly jet fighters and long-range missiles. Zelenskyy warned that delays in sending these could extend the conflict. Meanwhile, Chinese President Xi Jinping invited Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez to Beijing, as Xi seeks support for China's peace proposal for Ukraine.
Nord Stream Pipeline Investigation: Russia does not expect openness in the investigation into the Nord Stream gas pipeline explosions, according to Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov.
Fighting Fronts: Russian forces in Bakhmut are reportedly losing strength and may be preparing for a Ukrainian counteroffensive. Kyiv accuses Russia's Wagner Group of deporting residents of Bakhmut to Russia. Ukrainian forces were also forced to withdraw a report claiming Russian forces had left the town of Nova Kakhovka in the Kherson region.
Humanitarian Aid: The international medical aid team Doctors Without Borders has exposed widespread damage to hospitals in Ukraine due to Russia's invasion. Zelenskyy has shared a video of his visit to Kherson, promising to "recover everything" in the city, which Russia occupied for eight months and left in ruins.
International Support: NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg has dismissed Russian complaints over the UK's provision of depleted uranium tank ammunition and Challenger 2 tanks to Ukraine. Poland is seeking an additional €240 million ($261m) in EU funding to finance military aid for Ukraine. Estonian Prime Minister Kaja Kallas has spoken out against compromising sanctions against Russia, despite Moscow's calls for relief in exchange for extending the grain export deal through the Black Sea.
Military Supplies: Slovakia has handed over the first 4 of its MiG-29 fighter jets to Ukraine, with the remainder to be delivered in the coming weeks. The EU has confirmed plans to provide Ukraine with 1 million artillery shells over the next year. Finland's defense minister has expressed reluctance about providing Hornet fighter jets to Ukraine, despite Ukraine's request.
In light of the ongoing investigation into the Nord Stream gas pipeline explosions, Finnish finance minister's stance on providing Hornet fighter jets to Ukraine has been influenced by the potential costs and implications of such a decision, signifying a delicate balance of general news, politics, and war-and-conflicts. Despite the challenges in Ukraine's health sector due to the ongoing war, international organizations like Doctors Without Borders continue to provide medical aid, highlighting the crucial role of health in conflict zones.
