Russia-Ukraine Coverage

Updates on the Russian invasion of Ukraine as of March 5th, 2022.

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Issue 13, Volume 112

RUSSO-UKRAINIAN WAR UPDATES AS OF MARCH 26, 2022

Effects on Russian Economy

Russia’s economy has been suffering since the beginning of the war, seeing its highest inflation rates since 1998. Several nations, including the US, UK, and European Union, have placed sanctions on Russia, implementing restrictions with heavy consequences if violated. For example, gas, oil, and energy imports to the US from Russia are banned as of March 9, and these are some of Russia’s most robust industries. There are also several global corporations that have stopped operations in Russia, including those in finance, retail, entertainment, energy, and travel. Additionally, inside Russia, civilians have been stocking up on essential items, and, coupled with the limitations on imports, products are in high demand. Due to the sanctions, it has become increasingly difficult and costly to purchase outside goods, and inflation rates have jumped. Russia’s gross domestic product has dropped more than $30 billion, two percent lower than before, and the value of the Russian ruble is at 96.5 per USD, compared to the 130 per USD of early March and the average 80 per USD prior to the invasion.

Effects on Ukrainian Economy

In response to the war, several nations have provided hundreds of millions of dollars of military and humanitarian aid to Ukraine. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has donated over $1 billion to Ukraine since the onset of the war. The United States itself has donated nearly $644 million toward Ukraine since 2014, following the Russian invasion and takeover of the Crimean Peninsula. Due to the number of evacuees, as well as the demand for military supplies, Ukrainian industries have shifted to support the war effort. Several companies have started manufacturing provisions for soldiers and civilians to keep the country going during the war. At this time, Ukraine’s economy follows martial law, with increased government involvement in the economy. The hryvnia, the Ukrainian unit of currency, is under fixed exchange rates, and its value has not changed drastically.

Russian Stalling on the Front Lines

Russian forces were initially concentrated on battering Kyiv, Ukraine’s capital, as well as other major cities, but the Russian Ministry of Defense has announced a shift in focus toward retrieving the Donbas region instead. This change is suspected to be in part because of Ukraine’s unexpected resistance to Russia, preventing the capture of key cities and stalling Russian forces. General Sergei Rudskoy, Russia’s deputy chief of staff of armed forces, said that Russia had succeeded in its initial goal of weakening Ukrainian forces, marking the end of the “first phase” of the war a month after the beginning of the invasion, and would now advance from the east. Donbas, in eastern Ukraine, has been a highly contested area between Russian-backed separatists and Ukrainians since 2014, when Russia took over the Crimean Peninsula. Donetsk and Luhansk are two pro-Russia cities in Donbas that Russia has recognized as independent, but the Ukrainian president refuses to relinquish these regions.

NATO’s Increased Involvement

NATO, the North Atlantic Treaty Organization composed of 30 countries, has helped facilitate aid from its members to Ukraine. It hasn’t sent troops to Ukraine itself in order to keep the war from escalating, but it has recently sent troops to nearby areas to increase its presence. Furthermore, the alliance has been providing Ukraine with protection against the possible use of chemical and biological warfare by Russia, made more likely by the unanticipated response that the Ukrainians have given. Several countries continue pressing sanctions to further pressure the Russian economy as well.

Timeline

March 16, 2022: Ukraine president Volodymyr Zelenskyy addresses a speech to the US Congress, urging them to provide more aid to the Ukrainian people.

March 16, 2022: The UN International Court of Justice orders Russia to cease their military offensive in Ukraine, citing a lack of justification for the invasion.

March 16, 2022: NATO defense ministers plan to increase military supplies, resources, and personnel to Ukraine.

March 17, 2022: Russian troops occupy the city of Skadovsk, Ukraine, using tear gas to stop Ukrainian protesters.

March 17, 2022: The Russian invasion of Ukraine’s capital city Kyiv halts, as Ukraine resistance extends toward the suburban areas.

March 17, 2022: In an address to the German parliament, Zelenskyy criticizes the government for its involvement in the Nord Stream 2 pipeline and unwillingness to inflict harsh sanctions toward Russia.

March 18, 2022: Global lending organizations such as the IMF and World Bank warn nations across the globe of the economic repercussions that can ensue as a result of the conflict.

March 18, 2022: United States President Joe Biden attends a video call with Chinese President Xi Jinping, discussing their countries’ stances on the Russian invasion.

March 18, 2022: The International Organization for Migration reports that around 6.5 million people are now displaced in Ukraine.

March 19, 2022: In a video message, Zelenskyy calls for peace with Russia and urges a resolution with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

March 19, 2022: As reported by the UN, a total of 847 civilians have been killed and 1,399 injured. Most casualties are a result of the wide-range explosive weapons.

March 20, 2022: In Mariupol, Russian forces bomb a school sheltering 400 civilians and demand Ukrainian officials surrender the city.

March 20, 2022: Russian missiles bomb a Kyiv shopping mall, killing eight people and erupting the area in flames.

March 21, 2022: Russian forces continue to reinforce their defensive operations in Ukraine, with unsuccessful attacks in the regions of Luhansk and Donetsk.

March 21, 2022: A war analysis by researchers at Royal United Services Institute reveals that northern Ukraine has largely been successful in resisting Russian forces, while southern Ukraine is in danger of being encircled by Russian troops.

March 22, 2022: Ukrainian forces plan to reclaim territory that Russia has invaded, in areas north of Kyiv, Makariv, Kherson, and Mykolaiv.

March 22, 2022: Holding out from a three-week Russian siege, Mariupol faces an unrelenting barrage of Russian shelling, with smoke noticeably rising out from apartment buildings.

March 23, 2022: The United Nations Security Council fails to pass a Russian-proposed draft resolution, which delegates described as a means for Russia to justify its attacks.

March 23, 2022: Putin demands that “unfriendly countries” pay for Russian gas in rubles, the Russian currency.

March 24, 2022: The Extraordinary NATO Summit takes place in Brussels, Belgium. Biden advocates for Russia’s exclusion from the Group of 20 nations, and NATO agrees on strengthening its defense holdings in Europe.

March 25, 2022: NATO sends battlegroups to nations that surround Ukraine, such as Bulgaria, Romania, Hungary, and Slovakia.

March 25, 2022: Biden travels to Poland to meet with US troops as the armed conflict reaches its second month.

March 26, 2022: On the last day of his trip, Biden gives a speech in Warsaw, Poland, calling for a regime change in the Russian Federation and warning Putin to refrain from intruding on NATO territory.

RUSSO-UKRAINIAN WAR UPDATES AS OF MARCH 15, 2022

How Nations Responded to the War

As of March 21, it has been almost a month since the Russo-Ukrainian War began. From fierce clashes in neighboring towns to swift explosions in city buildings, the war has not only adversely affected the Ukrainian people, but has also made an impression on countries across the world. Here is a look into how other nations have responded to the armed conflict.

United Kingdom

Since the onset of the Russo-Ukrainian war, UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson has displayed his animosity toward the Russian Federation and president Vladimir Putin. So far, Johnson, along with government forces in the UK, has issued sanctions against Russia. The measures that they have implemented currently ban the export of high-end luxury goods, works of art, and fashion garments to Russia. Additionally, the UK has sanctioned seven Russian oligarchs, including Chelsea F.C. owner Roman Abramovich, who has been issued a travel ban and whose assets have been frozen.

United States

The United States has employed a similar approach to the Russo-Ukrainian conflict, displaying sympathy toward the Ukrainian civilians and hostility toward Russia. Biden initially offered an evacuation plan for Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky, but the proposal was later rejected, with Zelensky citing his moral obligation to help his fellow people as his reason to stay in Ukraine. Along with other G-7 nations, the US has issued economic sanctions against Russia in an attempt to cripple the Russian economy and prevent their advancement on Ukrainian land. Biden approved $13.6 billion dollars in humanitarian aid and security for Ukraine on March 15, a move that exemplifies the nation’s willingness to assist Ukraine in the most desperate of times.

China

Unlike other global actors, China has found itself at a crossroads regarding the war.

It is no secret that the nation has strong diplomatic relations with Russia, as Chinese leader Xi Jinping is on good terms with Putin. As of now, China refuses to condemn Russia for its invasion of Ukrainian soil, which has left many Western nations concerned. Through China’s extensively censored media, citizens currently receive pro-Russian coverage, with a disregard for any news information in support of Ukraine. On the other side, Chinese citizens currently in Ukraine find themselves in a precarious position, with China’s unwillingness to intervene in Russian invasion only adding to their safety concerns.

Germany

Initially, German politicians and government officials received criticism from defense leaders because of their unwillingness to address the situation. However, Chancellor Olaf Scholz made an official statement on February 27 announcing a complete reversal of their previous intentions. Since then, Germany has ceased plans for the Nord Stream II pipeline project with Russia. Germany has also agreed to send military weapons to Ukraine, and the nation has announced plans to increase its own defense budget. German leaders are debating a Russian oil boycott, as doing so would severely damage citizens’ heating and job security.

France

Aligned with NATO’s response to the Russo-Ukrainian war, French president Emmanuel Macron sided with Ukraine and condemned the Russian invasion. Along with the other G-7 nations, France has chosen to enforce strict economic sanctions on Russia. So far, France has been focused on the humanitarian crisis, with a $100 million contribution toward urgent supplies. France has also tended to Ukrainian refugees located in Poland.

Timeline

March 5, 2022: Russian ceasefire is declared in Mariupol for citizen evacuation, then violated in a matter of hours due to continuous Russian shelling.

March 6, 2022: Thousands of Russian citizens are detained due to anti-war protests, the number over 10 thousand since the start of the war.

March 6, 2022: Evacuations in Mariupol are deterred for the second time, as Russian explosions continue, leaving the city in its fifth day without electricity and water.

March 7, 2022: The third round of talks is held between Russia and Ukraine, with progress being made regarding humanitarian aid in certain locations.

March 8, 2022: Over two million people have evacuated Ukraine since the war’s beginning on February 24, and around half of them are children.

March 8, 2022: President Biden announces the ban of Russian oil, energy, and gas, which could have lasting effects on the American economy.

March 9, 2022: A Russian strike hits a maternity hospital, killing three and wounding several others, prompting furious reactions.

March 9, 2022: Nuclear power plant Chernobyl loses power and is running on backup diesel generators, which are expected to last the plant 48 hours.

March 10, 2022: Russian bombing of Kharkiv, the second largest city in Ukraine, continues as forces try and surround the city, as well as push south.

March 11, 2022: A bill for $13.6 million is passed and approved in the House of Representatives, providing funds to be put toward humanitarian and military aid.

March 11, 2022: President Biden announces permanent limitations on Russian trade, making it one of the three countries with which America does not follow regular trade.

March 12, 2022: Mariupol and Kharkiv remain under attack, and Russian forces have encircled and captured parts of the cities.

March 12, 2022: The US passes a bill providing further aid to Ukraine in the form of an additional $200 million.

March 13, 2022: Russia asks for financial and military aid from China, in particular due to the economic toll the war has taken on Russia.

March 13, 2022: Proper power resumes at the Chernobyl power plant, and it is now performing regularly.

March 13, 2022: A Russian bombing of a Ukrainian military base is 15 miles from Poland’s border, threatening NATO involvement.

March 13, 2022: Another round of peace talks starts, to be continued on March 15.

March 14, 2022: Ukraine’s coast on the Black Sea, which provided for maritime trade, is blocked by the Russian navy.

March 15, 2022: Russian missiles strike Ukrainian capital Kyiv, among one of the first attacks directly on the city.

March 15, 2022: The fourth round of peace talks regarding the Russian invasion of Ukraine continues, with the US cautioning China against aligning with Russia.

March 15, 2022: The number of Ukrainian refugees following the start of the war has reached three million.

For more information about the Russo-Ukrainian War, check out:

https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2022/world/europe/ukraine-maps.html for a map tracking the Russian invasion.

https://kyivindependent.com for moment-to-moment updates from Ukrainian media outlets.

To donate to the Ukraine crisis:

International Committee of the Red Cross: https://www.icrc.org/en/donate/ukraine

Save the Children: https://www.savethechildren.org/us/where-we-work/ukraine

Razom for Ukraine: https://razomforukraine.org/donate/

RUSSO-UKRAINIAN WAR UPDATES AS OF MARCH 5, 2022

History Behind the Conflict

Ukraine was a member of the Soviet Union until the Union’s collapse in 1991. Eastern European countries, including Poland, Hungary, Estonia, and Latvia, joined the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) in the decades following, with the possibility of Ukraine eventually joining.

The Ukrainian government at the time, under President Viktor Yanukovych, was heavily influenced by Russia, and there were protests regarding this alliance in 2013. Russia responded by invading Ukraine in February of 2014, with Russia annexing the Crimean Peninsula and starting a war in Donbas along the southwestern border of Russia. Ukraine responded by electing a more democratic government.

Since then, Russian president Vladimir Putin has expressed his desire to expand his country’s power, especially in regards to Ukraine. He has also exhibited his animosity toward NATO, which had expanded to reach Russian borders.

America conveyed its positive stance regarding Ukraine’s right to join NATO in November of 2021, and in the following month, Russia established its own demands, many of which were denied by the West.

The mobilization of Russian troops increased around Ukraine’s borders during the end of 2021 and the beginning of 2022, despite Russian claims denying invasion. President Putin officially announced an invasion of Ukraine on February 24.

Timeline

- January 2022: Russia strengthens its military presence around Ukraine’s borders, with deployments in Eastern Ukraine, Belarus, and Crimea.

- February 22, 2022: Russian President Vladimir Putin recognizes the independence of two regions in Ukraine, Luhansk and Donetsk, which are currently held by Russian-backed separatists.

- February 24, 2022: Russian soldiers begin the offensive against Ukraine, advancing toward Kyiv, Ukraine’s capital, and Kharkiv.

- February 24, 2022: Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky enacts martial law, preventing all Ukrainian males between the ages of 18 and 60 from fleeing the country.

- February 25, 2022: The United States, along with members of the European Union, begin to issue economic sanctions on the Russian Federation.

- February 26, 2022: Heavy fighting and clashes ensue in Kyiv, with the Ukrainian soldiers attempting to maintain their control over the city.

- February 26, 2022: Russian forces deployed in the south destroy a dam blocking the flow of water to Crimea, with troops pushing northward.

- February 26, 2022: Zelensky rejects an offer from the U.S. to evacuate Ukraine, pledging his loyalty toward defending his country.

- February 28, 2022: A bombardment of Russian missiles is launched toward a residential neighborhood in Kharkiv, injuring and killing dozens of people.

- February 28, 2022: Russia and Ukraine hold their first round of peace talks in Belarus, with neither country able to reach a breakthrough.

- March 1, 2022: More than a million people flee Ukraine, taking refuge eastward toward Poland, Romania, and Hungary.