After the USA, the EU countries also launched another package of sanctions against Russia on Friday evening. Among other things, it provides for additional trade restrictions, which should apply in particular to industrial goods that Russian industry cannot obtain from third countries such as China. It is the tenth package of sanctions since February last year. As with previous sanctions packages, the list of people who are no longer allowed to enter the EU and whose assets in the EU must be frozen will also be added. This targets propagandists, military commanders and political leaders.
“Submission is not peace”: Dispute in the UN Security Council
In a debate marked by attacks, German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock called on the UN Security Council to oppose Russia’s President Putin. «This war is not the war of the Russian people. This war is Putin’s war,” the politician said at a special session in New York on Friday to mark the first anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. “The Russian President is risking the future of his own country.” A just peace is also in the interests of the people of Russia.
Russian ambassador to the UN Vasily Nebensia accused western supporters of Ukraine of wanting to destroy Russia. The word “peace” is used disingenuously, said Moscow’s representative at the United Nations: “What is meant is a surrender by Russia, which ideally inflicts a strategic defeat on Russia, followed by the dissolution of the country and the reorganization of the territories.”
Despite the difficult situation on the battlefield, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmitro Kuleba was confident of victory: “Putin will lose much sooner than he thinks,” he told the UN Security Council. Kuleba again called for the establishment of a special tribunal with special jurisdiction over the crime of aggressive war, citing the Nuremberg war crimes tribunal after World War II as a model.
China’s position paper met with skepticism
The United Nations General Assembly passed a resolution by a large majority on Thursday calling on Russia to withdraw from Ukraine. Only hours later, in a first position paper on the war, China called for a ceasefire and the early resumption of negotiations. However, the initiative was received with great skepticism internationally and was often judged to be one-sided in favor of Russia. The paper does not ask Russia to leave occupied Ukrainian territory. Ukraine rejected the plan.
Moscow welcomes China’s advance – rejection in Kiev
Russia, on the other hand, commented positively on the advance from Beijing. “We welcome the sincere desire of our Chinese friends to help resolve the conflict in Ukraine through peaceful means,” said Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova. “We share Beijing’s considerations.” Russia is open to a political-diplomatic solution. The basic prerequisite, however, is an end to Western arms deliveries to Ukraine, the cessation of all hostilities and the return of Ukraine to a neutral, non-aligned status. In addition, the “new territorial realities” – i.e. the illegal annexation of several Ukrainian territories by Russia – would have to be recognized.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, on the other hand, sees no real peace plan in the paper. But it is at least “not bad” that China – so far not even ready to condemn the Russian war of aggression – has started talking about Ukraine. It is important that the territorial integrity of states and nuclear safety are addressed. “There are thoughts that I don’t agree with, that the whole world doesn’t agree with,” Zelenskiy said of the document. “But it’s still something.”
Zelenskiy: No talks with Putin – meetings with Xi possible
Zelensky also reiterated his strict no to a meeting with Kremlin chief Putin. He was responding to a move by Turkish President Recep Tayyin Erdogan, who wanted to persuade Putin to negotiate a “fair peace” in a telephone call. Zelensky said he had suggested to Erdogan before the war broke out that Putin should be brought to the negotiating table in order to prevent a major war. “But he couldn’t.” And now? “Now we can’t.”
However, Selenski held out the prospect of meeting with Chinese head of state Xi Jinping. “I believe this will be beneficial for our countries and for global security,” he said. “It’s not just about war. It’s about us being states interested in maintaining economic relations.”
Ukrainian Prime Minister poses with tanks from Poland
Ukrainian Prime Minister Denis Schmihal published a series of photos on Telegram showing him with Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki handing over the first four Leopard main battle tanks delivered from Poland. “A year ago, tanks drove into Ukraine to deprive the Ukrainians of their freedom,” wrote Schmihal. “Today tanks also entered Ukraine, but to protect freedom.”
As part of an international coalition, Poland wants to hand over a total of 14 Leopard A2 tanks to the neighboring country. During a visit to Kiev on Friday, Morawiecki also announced the imminent delivery of 60 PT-91 main battle tanks, which he had already promised in January. The PT-91 Twardy is a Polish development and modernization of the Soviet T-72.