February 28-March 4
Ukraine resists Russian invasion
The entire world is following in dismay the situation in Ukraine, where Russian troops continued their offensive on several fronts. Large cities in the country, such as Kharkov, Kherson, Mariupol, and several smaller cities, have been attacked and bombed, and the situation on the ground is volatile and confused, depending on the sources. Sirens sounded in several places, while the images televised or distributed on social media shows destruction of buildings and other objectives, damaged military materiel, and many dead and wounded citizens. The capital Kiev is under siege by Russian forces, there has been fighting for a week, explosions have sounded constantly, and people have taken refuge in metro stations and other shelters for fear of shelling. An extremely serious incident took place at the Energodar nuclear plant in Zaporozhye, where a fire broke out on Friday after Russian attacks. Ukraine announced that the fire broke out in a five story building next to the plant, but that it has been extinguished. The IAEA quoted local nuclear regulatory authorities, who said that essential equipment has not been damaged, and the level of radiation is unchanged. US President Joe Biden spoke on the phone with his Ukrainian counterpart, Volodimir Zelenskyy, about the situation. The latter accused Moscow of resorting to what he called nuclear terror, and that it wanted to repeat the Chernobyl disaster, according to the AFP. Many experts, speaking about this last week, conclude that Russian attacks intensified, in spite of two rounds of peace talks.
Ukrainian civilians flee to neighboring countries
An impressive number of Ukrainians, mostly women and children, crowded at the country's western borders, moving into neighboring countries. Huge columns of vehicles formed at the crossing points, in spite of measures taken by states taking in refugees to simplify formalities. Many of them abandoned cars and crossed the borders on foot. Striking images of mothers with children, dragging hastily put together luggage, can be seen on TV screens across the world. The main countries of refuge are Poland and Romania. A pleasant surprise, if the term even applies in this situation, was the exceptional way in which Romanians have welcomed their Ukrainian neighbors. Civil society was at the forefront, followed by public authorities, in providing the refugees food, water, blankets, and medicines. There was an exemplary mobilization on social media, and thousands of places of accommodation were put up by hotels, B&Bs, and private citizens. Central and local authorities have prepared accommodation as well, and opened up special reception and information centers. This impressive effort did not go unnoticed, and the international press praised Romanians. EC President Ursula von der Leyen said that Romania has offered to the world a moving example. People have opened their doors to refugees, funds were raised over social media, the Romanian population is ready to take in refugees. She said that Romania was not just sheltering refugees, but also helping the Republic of Moldova, providing it with needed electricity generators. Romania also sent medication to Ukraine. She said the country was an extraordinary example of solidarity in the heart of Europe. She offered deep thanks to the country. She also mentioned the humanitarian center that was set up in Romania in support of Ukraine, which will have a very important role on medium term.
The international community levies sanctions against Russia
The UN General Assembly on Wednesday adopted a resolution calling on Russia to cease immediately use of force against Ukraine. The document was voted on by an overwhelming majority of 141 countries. Of the 193 member countries of the organization, five voted against, 35 abstained, among them China, Cuba, India, and South Africa, and 12 have not voted at all. The five countries that voted against were Russia, Belarus, North Korea, Eritrea, and Syria. The European Parliament, gathering in extraordinary session, condemned in the harshest terms possible the illegal invasion of Ukraine by Russia. EuroMPs have categorically rejected Moscow's rhetoric alluding to a possible use of weapons of mass destruction, and reminded Russia of its international commitments. They warned of the dangers of a nuclear escalation of the conflict. New messages of condemnation and calls for peace were issued in most Western capitals. A the same time, new economic and financial sanctions were imposed on Russia. Thousands of foreign companies are leaving the country, or are freezing their business in that country, refusing to deliver merchandise. Other companies, including Romanian ones, have ceased imports from, and trade with, Russia. In Russia, the first effects of banking sanctions all over the world can be seen, and the ruble plummeted in value. TV stations are showing huge lines at Russian ATMs, while the local authorities have set limits on transactions in hard currency. NATO continued efforts to fortify its eastern flank. French troops and German fighter jets have arrived in Romania. Portugal and Belgium announced they would also deploy troops to Romania under NATO's deterrence umbrella.
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