Ukrainian War: Noises and silences |

“One knows that war comes through silence, not through the roar of bombs.” This is how the impressive documentary begins 20 days in Mariupol, made by the AP agency’s team of TV correspondents, which informed the entire world of the siege by Russian troops against this strategic city, an important port enclave. The siege began on February 24, 2022, the first day of the Russian invasion, and ended three months later, on May 20. The team of reporters, led by Mstyslav Chernov, recounts the silence and the bombs; the deaths and lives saved in the hospital; hope and despair. Next Sunday we will know if an Oscar is added to the long list of meritoriously achieved awards.

Mariupol is an example, like so many, of impossible, if not useless, resistance. Thousands died, but many saved their lives thanks to the heroic actions of doctors, fellow citizens, and the then poorly prepared Ukrainian soldiers… But Mariupol could not be saved.

Since that moment, the figures describe a terrifying panorama. One fifth of the Ukrainian territory occupied, 70,000 Russian soldiers dead, 250,000 wounded; 30,000 Ukrainian soldiers dead, more than 10,000 civilians dead and several hundred thousand injured. And millions of refugees and internally displaced people. The vigor of the Ukrainian population, encouraged by a brave president and with decisive support from the West, although slow to start, made 2022 a year not only of effective resistance, but of standing up to an outdated and poorly commanded Russian army.

The second year of the war, 2023, has not followed the same pattern. Contrary to what was planned in kyiv, the land front stalled. It’s getting harder and harder to move it. Lacking adequate weaponry, from artillery to missiles, to maintain their positions, Ukrainian troops depend more than ever on risky sabotage or raids behind enemy lines. The only exception is in the Black Sea, where Ukraine has managed to decimate the Russian fleet and maintain a maritime export flow of its precious grains, with remarkable security.

This is the context where two unwanted and noisy setbacks appear. First, the anomalous American politics, infected by an electoral pre-campaign whose result, in November, could decide the winner of a war that is being fought thousands of kilometers from Washington. Acting quickly is essential, which is why the withholding of the committed military aid by the United States Congress is incomprehensible and totally counterproductive. A decisive help to strengthen the weak defenses and to be able to recover, perhaps, occupied territory.

The second resounding setback emerges from Europe, this same week. Not ruling out the presence of Western troops on the ground in Ukraine cannot be an improvisation or a slip by a president, Macron, who, although given to trying to monopolize the spotlight, has proven intelligence and experience. And none of them endorse his words. So why does he risk having all European leaders, starting with the German chancellor, rushing to deny him, weakening European unity? Without a doubt, sending Western soldiers to Ukraine is a red line that Europe cannot and should not consider.

Neither of the two errors, the one that comes from the grotesque US Congress and the one that emerges from the Elysée, leads to what is essential: a deep, silent and discreet reflection on the next steps. We must deliver the promised weapons, strengthen the defenses, take some territory from Russia (very difficult, since every inch is mined) so that 2024, the third year of the war, will be the year of coordinated and serious work to agree, at at least, a ceasefire, from positions of strength. This, if the Ukrainians want it and believe it is the best way to end the silence of the war.

Cristina Gallach She is a former Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, former Deputy Secretary General of the UN and a member of Global Women Leaders Voices.

Follow all the international information on Facebook y Xor our weekly newsletter.

to continue reading

_