24.02.2023 03:09
(Akt. 24.02.2023 03:10)
First anniversary of the Russian war of aggression in Ukraine
©APA/EDGAR SCHÜTZ (Archive/War damage in Butscha)
China has called for a ceasefire in the Ukraine war. A much-anticipated 12-point paper released by the Foreign Ministry in Beijing on Friday also calls for an immediate resumption of negotiations between Russia and Ukraine. This Friday marks the first anniversary of the start of Russia’s war of aggression once morest Ukraine.
Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy described the situation in eastern and southern Ukraine as difficult and dangerous. “The situation in the east is very difficult and painful. But we are doing everything we can to resist it,” said Zelenskyy in a video address early in the morning on the first anniversary of the Russian invasion.
Pro-Russian forces also fired on the southern city of Cherson, cutting off power to 40,000 people. The General Staff of the Ukrainian Armed Forces had previously reported increased Russian attacks in the east and south. In addition, 25 towns and villages in three northern regions along the Russian border are under fire. The reports of the fighting might not be independently verified.
On February 24, 2022, Russian troops invaded the neighboring country. Commemoration hours and protest events are planned worldwide this Friday. Chinese President Xi Jinping is to deliver a “peace speech”. The UN Security Council meets in New York to mark the anniversary. A special session of the National Council is held in Vienna at the request of NEOS.
Of course, China did not officially confirm Xi’s “peace speech”. However, it was announced by Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani following talks with top Chinese diplomat Wang Yi. Thus, on the anniversary of the invasion, there will be a public struggle over the correct reading of the war.
“As far as the peace plan for China is concerned, we’re just waiting to see what the Chinese are putting on the table. It’s supposed to be announced tomorrow,” said top US diplomat Victoria Nuland on Thursday (local time). What is important is a “just” and “lasting” peace. “It can’t just be a cynical truce giving the Russians time to go home, rest and come back, as we’ve seen.” Nuland also warned China regarding arms sales to Russia.
The heads of state and government of the G7 countries will meet on Friday for a special virtual summit. US President Joe Biden will announce further sanctions once morest Russian banks and companies and people from the technology and defense sectors. “The G7 has become an anchor of our strong and united response to Russia,” White House spokeswoman Karine Jean-Pierre told journalists on Thursday (local time). They will discuss together how Ukraine can continue to be supported and how the pressure on Russia can be increased. The US would also announce a new aid package for Ukraine in the areas of economy, security and energy.
NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg and EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen travel to Estonia. In Berlin, the German Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier speaks at the central commemoration ceremony in Bellevue Palace.
