UN Secretary General to Meet President’s Putin and Zelenskyy
Russia has blasted cities to ruins and indicated hundreds of civilian corpses in communities after its soldiers fell back. It denies attacking civilians and asserts, without providing evidence, that atrocity signs were faked.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has separately requested meetings with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to explore ways toward peace in the aftermath of Moscow’s invasion of its neighbour. Separate letters were delivered to the permanent missions of Russia and Ukraine on Tuesday afternoon, requesting Putin to see Guterres in Moscow and Zelenskyy to receive him in Kyiv, according to UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric.
Guterres on Tuesday asked for a four-day Orthodox Easter humanitarian break in Ukraine’s hostilities to allow civilians to flee combat zones and humanitarian supplies to be delivered to hard-hit areas. The Russian invasion of Ukraine, the largest attack on a European state since 1945, resulted in the deaths or injuries of thousands. According to Guterres, the country currently needs humanitarian assistance for more than 12 million people.
Russian Crude Oil
Following Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine, Australia, the United Kingdom, Canada, and the United States have all implemented outright sanctions on Russian oil sales, while the European Union remains split. The bloc’s 27 members have been unable to agree on an embargo, with Germany advising against fast measures that may plunge the economy into recession and certain nations, like Hungary, rejecting any curbs.
Germany, on the other hand, and Poland both want to phase out Russian oil imports by the end of this year. Numerous importers in Europe are consciously avoiding Russian oil in order to prevent reputational harm or potential legal complications. Meanwhile, India and China, both of which have refrained from condemning Russia’s conduct, continue to purchase Russian petroleum.
India has purchased at least 13 million barrels of Russian crude oil since late February, enticed by high discounts as a result of Western sanctions against Russian firms. This compares to around 16 million barrels for the entire year of 2021, according to Reuters statistics.
Major buyers include Neftokhim Burgas, MiRo, PCK Schwedt, Pertamina, Leuna, Hellenic Petroleum, ISAB, MOL, Zeeland Refinery, Rotterdam Refinery, Hindustan Petroleum, Indian Oil Corporation, Nayara Energy. Companies that have stopped buying Russian Oil are BP, Eneas, ENI, Bayern oil, Equinor, Galp, Neste, PKN Orlen, Preem, Repsol, Shell, Total Energies, Varo Energy.
Finland’s Stance on NATO
Finland moved a step closer to joining NATO on Wednesday (Apr 20) after the country’s major parliamentary groupings indicated support for some type of military cooperation in reaction to Russia’s incursion. The Finnish Parliament began examining the potential of Finland joining NATO on Wednesday. Finland has a long border with Russia. The Social Democrats of Prime Minister Sanna Marin avoided mentioning NATO in their remarks but expressed support for the concept of a military alliance.
“It is clear that Russia’s activities have pushed Finland closer to the point when military alignment will be required,” Social Democrat group leader Antti Lindtman warned fellow lawmakers. Finland is a close NATO ally but has maintained a non-aligned military posture. Now, however, its defence and security are in need of reinforcement, and Marin has stated that a decision on whether to seek for NATO membership might be made within weeks.
Additionally, the administration has hinted that public support for the partnership may be gauged by a legislative vote rather than a referendum, but no date has been established for such a vote. The Centre Party, the Social Democrats’ major ally in Finland’s five-party coalition government, stated that it would back a NATO decision.
Russia Launches a New Intercontinental Ballistic Missile
Russia demonstrated its strength two months into its war on Ukraine by successfully launching a new nuclear-capable intercontinental ballistic missile, which President Vladimir Putin predicted would cause Moscow’s adversaries to pause for thought. Putin was shown on television being informed by the military that the long-awaited Sarmat missile had been successfully test-launched from Plesetsk in northwest Russia, striking targets approximately 6,000 kilometers (3,700 miles) distant.
The Sarmat’s test, which had been under development for years, did not surprise the West, but it occurred during a period of tremendous geopolitical stress. Since sending tens of thousands of troops into Ukraine on Feb. 24, Russia has yet to conquer any significant cities. Ukraine’s defence ministry did not respond to requests for comment immediately.
“The new complex possesses superior tactical and technological capabilities and is capable of defeating any contemporary anti-missile defence systems. It is unique in the globe and will remain so for an extended period of time “According to Putin.
“This genuinely unique weapon will bolster our armed forces’ fighting capability, reliably protect Russia from foreign threats, and offer food for thought for those who attempt to harm our nation in the heat of feverish hostile rhetoric.”
Putin made a specific allusion to Russia’s nuclear capabilities in announcing the invasion eight weeks ago, warning the West that any attempt to obstruct it “would result in such repercussions as you have never faced in your history.” He then ordered Russia’s nuclear forces to be placed on high alert a few days later. “The risk of nuclear conflict, long inconceivable, has resurfaced,” UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres stated last month.
According to Russia’s defence ministry, the Sarmat was launched from a silo launcher around 1512 Moscow time on Wednesday (1212 GMT). Russia’s nuclear forces will begin receiving the new missile “in the fall of this year,” Tass said on Wednesday, citing Dmitry Rogozin, head of the Ros Cosmos space agency.
Global Impact
- Energy: Many European nations rely significantly on Russian energy, notably gas. Even if the crisis ends, the heavy economic sanctions against Russia may make it impossible for these countries to acquire gas.
- Transport: After the epidemic, worldwide transit was badly hampered, and the conflict is expected to exacerbate the situation. Ocean shipping and rail freight are expected to be disrupted. Though still a tiny percentage of overall freight between Asia and Europe, rail has been crucial during recent transit delays and continues to increase. Sanctions against Russia may adversely impact train travel in countries like Lithuania.
- Supply Chain: Companies are trying to secure enough raw materials and components to make items to fulfil growing client demand. Demand has led to shortages, delivery delays, and increased pricing. Industry disruptions in Russia and Ukraine may prolong normalization.
- Oil: Ukraine alone accounts for over half of sunflower oil exports. Importers may struggle to replenish supplies if harvesting and processing are hampered in a war-torn Ukraine.
- Food supplies: Ukraine and Russia send 30% of the world’s wheat, 19% of corn, and 80% of sunflower oil used in food processing. The Russian and Ukrainian windfall largely flows to poor, insecure nations like Yemen and Libya.
- Rising Prices: The Ukraine war comes at a risky time for the Fed and other central banks. They were surprised by the recent spike in inflation, a result of the economy’s rapid rebound.
- Auto Sector: The war is anticipated to impact the car industry severely. In addition to rising energy prices, the sector faces shortages of semiconductors and rare earth metals. Moreover, Ukraine is home to several vehicle component manufacturers.
Published By – Chirag Agrawal
Edited By – Sahiti Annam
