Series:PISM Spotlight

China’s Support for Russia in Its Aggression Against Ukraine

China’s Support for Russia in Its Aggression Against Ukraine

Author(s): Marcin Przychodniak / Language(s): English

Keywords: Russia; aggression; Ukraine; China; support;

China has supported Russia during its aggression against Ukraine but is not satisfied with the results of the operation. It describes the invasion as a legitimate response to Russia’s security concerns related to NATO enlargement. China’s support for Russia, although sometimes ambiguous, results from the priority on strategic cooperation between the two countries aimed at undermining the interests of the United States and its partners, both in Europe and in the Indo-Pacific.

Update on Military Activity in Ukraine

Update on Military Activity in Ukraine

Author(s): Anna Maria Dyner / Language(s): English

Keywords: Ukraine; military activity; update; Russia; aggression; fifth day;

On 28 February, the fifth day of Russian military operations in Ukraine began. From the beginning of Russia’s attack on Ukraine, the fiercest battles have been in the north and southeast of the country. The clear goal of the Russian troops is to capture Kyiv and cut off Ukraine from the Azov and Black seas. So far, the armed forces of Ukraine have managed to keep the largest cities under their control.

The U.S. Response to Russia’s Attack on Ukraine

The U.S. Response to Russia’s Attack on Ukraine

Author(s): Artur Kacprzyk,Mateusz Piotrowski / Language(s): English

Keywords: USA; Russia; Ukraine; attack; response;

In response, first to Russia’s recognition of the independence of the so-called “People's Republics” in Donbas and then to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the United States has introduced a range of sanctions and restrictions. The goal of the U.S. authorities is to punish Russia for this offensive and at the same time to provide aid to Ukraine, including military and humanitarian aid. The U.S. also increased its military presence in Europe, including on NATO’s Eastern Flank. The U.S. is coordinating its actions with the EU and the G7 countries.

The EU and the Mass Influx of Refugees from Ukraine

The EU and the Mass Influx of Refugees from Ukraine

Author(s): Marta Makowska,Jolanta Szymańska / Language(s): English

Keywords: EU; Ukraine; mass influx; refugees;

Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has prompted many of the latter country’s citizens to seek a safe haven in EU territory. The massive influx of refugees is a challenge for the reception systems of the countries bordering Ukraine and a test of pan-European solidarity. It requires ad hoc mobilisation, but also a return to the discussion on broad reform of the EU’s migration and asylum policy.

Moldova’s Reaction to the Russian Invasion on Ukraine

Moldova’s Reaction to the Russian Invasion on Ukraine

Author(s): Jakub Pieńkowski / Language(s): English

Keywords: Russia; Ukraine; attack; Moldova; reaction; foreign policy;

Moldova unequivocally condemned the Russian invasion of Ukraine and declared its readiness to help refugees. The authorities of the separatist Transnistria, bordering Ukraine, have assured of their peaceful intentions. However, the Russian troops stationed on its territory are beyond their control, which raises concerns that the area may be drawn into the war. Moldova has little to give to support the EU and U.S. actions towards Russia and may need help itself. Poland and its partners from the EU and NATO can help bolster Moldova’s defence and crisis management capabilities.

Germany’s Policy Turn on Russia

Germany’s Policy Turn on Russia

Author(s): Ryszarda Formuszewicz / Language(s): English

Keywords: Germany; Russia; foreign policy; security; economy;

In response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Germany initiated major changes in its approach to Russia, both in security and defence policy and in energy policy. At an extraordinary session of the Bundestag on Sunday (27 February), the German Chancellor announced a five-point plan in response to the historic “turning point” marked by what he called “Putin’s war”: (1) continuing political, financial, economic, and humanitarian support for Ukraine and examining the possibility of further supporting it with military equipment, (2) sanctions, (3) fulfilling alliance commitments, (4) investing in security, and (5) ensuring the energy supply.

The UK’s Response to the Russian Invasion of Ukraine

The UK’s Response to the Russian Invasion of Ukraine

Author(s): Przemysław Biskup,Aleksandra KOZIOŁ / Language(s): English

Keywords: UK; Russia; Ukraine; invasion; response; foreign policy;

On 1 March, Prime Ministers Mateusz Morawiecki and Boris Johnson met in Warsaw. The leaders reaffirmed their support for Ukraine in the face of the Russian invasion and announced the continuation of aid efforts. So far, the United Kingdom has introduced extensive sanctions and strengthened its military presence on NATO’s Eastern Flank. Nonetheless, the effectiveness of its actions will depend on further coordination of efforts with Poland and other allies.

Impact of Western Sanctions on the Russian Economy

Impact of Western Sanctions on the Russian Economy

Author(s): Damian Wnukowski / Language(s): English

Keywords: Russia; West; Economy; Policy; Sanctions;

Russia has already been hit hard by the sanctions imposed for its aggression against Ukraine. They affect especially the rouble exchange rate and the banking sector. In the longer term, the sanctions will limit Russia’s economic development, including by reducing foreign trade and investment. The effectiveness of the restrictions will largely depend on identifying and limiting the possibility of circumventing them.

Hungary’s Reaction to the War in Ukraine

Hungary’s Reaction to the War in Ukraine

Author(s): Veronika Jóźwiak / Language(s): English

Keywords: Ukraine; war; Hungary; reaction; foreign policy;

In response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Hungary in principle limits its reaction to adopting EU and NATO decisions. However, the Hungarian government has not taken any actions to sanction Russia on the bilateral level. It does not support Ukraine with equipment and it has announced that it will not allow the EU to deliver “deadly weapons” through its territory. Hungarian state media is repeating Russian disinformation. Russia takes advantage of Hungary’s attitude to indicate divisions in the West over the war in Ukraine.

France’s Reaction to Russia’s Invasion of Ukraine

France’s Reaction to Russia’s Invasion of Ukraine

Author(s): Amanda Dziubińska,Łukasz Maślanka / Language(s): English

Keywords: France; Russia; Invasion; Ukraine; Reaction; Foreign Policy;

President Emmanuel Macron strongly condemned Russia’s aggression against Ukraine and called on Russian President Vladimir Putin to end the military operation immediately. Macron expressed solidarity with Ukraine and announced cooperation with partners and international allies to end the war. From the beginning of the invasion, France has consistently supported the expansion of the scope of sanctions imposed on Russia. If Macron is re-elected in April, he will strive even more to build a European superpower, although with the need to coordinate actions between the EU and NATO.

The Social and Humanitarian Situation in Ukraine

The Social and Humanitarian Situation in Ukraine

Author(s): Maria Piechowska / Language(s): English

Figures are incomplete on civilian casualties, but at least 136 civilians have been killed as a result of Russia’s attack on Ukraine. At least hundreds of thousands of Ukrainians have been forced to leave their homes and evacuate to safer parts of the country or abroad. Ukrainian society has shown a high degree of mobilisation in the face of Russian aggression and is expressing its readiness to resist.

Belarus’s Reaction to the Russian Invasion of Ukraine

Belarus’s Reaction to the Russian Invasion of Ukraine

Author(s): Anna Maria Dyner / Language(s): English

Keywords: Belarus; foreign policy; Ukraine; invasion;

From the very beginning of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the Belarusian authorities have sided with Russia, supporting it politically and militarily, including making its territory available to the Russian troops. In this way, Belarus is also an aggressor and, as a consequence, the EU and the U.S. have imposed further sanctions on it. Regardless of the attempts to engage in Ukrainian-Russian negotiations, Belarus will be negatively affected by the consequences of its government’s policy and the country, although formally sovereign, has ceased to be perceived as an independent entity in international relations.

Japan’s and South Korea’s Response to the Russian Invasion of Ukraine

Japan’s and South Korea’s Response to the Russian Invasion of Ukraine

Author(s): Oskar Pietrewicz / Language(s): English

Keywords: Japan; South Korea; Russia; invasion; Ukraine; response; foreign policy;

Japan and South Korea condemned the Russian attack on Ukraine and joined the sanctions against Russia, which proves the effectiveness of the U.S. efforts in mobilising its allies. Japan’s stance stems from its predicted repercussions of the invasion for security in the Asia-Pacific region. South Korea’s position initially was more cautious due to concerns of possible economic costs and the deterioration of partnership relations with Russia, but allied solidarity prevailed. The war in Ukraine and the growing tensions between the great powers - the U.S., Russia, and China - may induce Japan and South Korea to expand their defence potential.

Czechia’s Reaction to Russia’s Latest Military Aggression Against Ukraine

Czechia’s Reaction to Russia’s Latest Military Aggression Against Ukraine

Author(s): Łukasz Ogrodnik / Language(s): English

Keywords: Czechia; Russia; invasion; aggression; Ukraine; reaction; foreign policy; military support;

Czechia, in response to the Russian invasion of Ukraine, has acted quickly and multidimensionally. The Petr Fiala government sworn in this year was one of the first in the EU and NATO to provide military support to Ukraine and to close its airspace to Russian planes. The country’s sanctioning of Russia is favoured by, among others, broad political compromise on the issue - including the previously pro-Russia president, Miloš Zeman - the public perception of the war, as well as earlier changes in Czech eastern policy.

EU Financial Sanctions on Russia’s Banking Sector

EU Financial Sanctions on Russia’s Banking Sector

Author(s): Elżbieta Kaca / Language(s): English

Keywords: EU; Russia; financial sanctions; banking sector;

On 2 March, the EU published further financial restrictions against Russia adopted in the scope of a third package of sanctions, including those related to the SWIFT system. Despite ambitious declarations at the European Council on 24-25 February, EU sanctions in the banking sector are selective, and the most important EU action so far has been to freeze the reserves of the Central Bank of Russia. To increase the problems of the Russian banking sector, the EU should freeze the assets of all major banks in Russia and cut off its entire sector from SWIFT. This is still an open issue for negotiation between the Member States.

The Importance of Western Arms Supplies for Ukraine

The Importance of Western Arms Supplies for Ukraine

Author(s): Filip Bryjka / Language(s): English

Keywords: Ukraine; West; arms supplies; support;

On 27 February, the EU made the unprecedented decision to finance arms supplies to the Ukrainian armed forces. Until now, military aid (arms, ammunition, military equipment, and supplies) had only been provided to Ukraine by some EU countries (including Poland), as well as the U.S., UK, and Canada. Recently, most EU states have joined the effort, including Germany, which had restricted such aid. Western military aid, alongside sanctions, is key to influencing the course of the conflict. Russia will seek to limit it by, among other things, disinformation and hybrid actions.

India’s Ambivalent Stance on Russia’s Invasion of Ukraine

India’s Ambivalent Stance on Russia’s Invasion of Ukraine

Author(s): Patryk Kugiel / Language(s): English

Keywords: Russia; aggression; invasion; Ukraine; India; stance; foreign policy; neutrality;

India has adopted a neutral stance on Russia’s latest aggression on Ukraine, trying not to alienate any of its main partners, Russia or the U.S. This was well-received in Russia but undermines the foundations of India’s rapprochement with the U.S. and the EU. The top priority for the government of Narendra Modi has been the evacuation of about 20,000 Indian citizens, mostly students, from the war in Ukraine.

The Question of Russian Aggression against Ukraine at the UN

The Question of Russian Aggression against Ukraine at the UN

Author(s): Rafał Tarnogórski / Language(s): English

Keywords: Russia; aggression; Ukraine; UN; policy;

In response to the Russian attack on Ukraine, an emergency session of the United Nations(UN) General Assembly (UNGA) adopted, under the Uniting for Peace procedure, a resolution condemning this act of aggression. The UNGA called on Russia to cease hostilities and to withdraw unconditionally from the internationally recognised territory of Ukraine.

Romania’s Reaction to Russia’s Invasion of Ukraine

Romania’s Reaction to Russia’s Invasion of Ukraine

Author(s): Jakub Pieńkowski / Language(s): English

Keywords: Russia; invasion; Ukraine; Romania; reaction; foreign policy; assistance;

Romania unequivocally condemned the Russian invasion and is providing assistance to Ukrainian war refugees. It supported the imposition of sanctions on Russia by the European Union and has sent humanitarian aid and military equipment to Ukraine. Poland and Romania face similar challenges related to refugees from the war and share a perception of the threat of Russian aggression. Polish-Romanian intergovernmental consultations in Warsaw on 3 March provided an opportunity for better coordination of activities and positions.

The Russian Attack on Ukraine and Risks to Nuclear Infrastructure (As of 10:45 on 4 March 2022)

The Russian Attack on Ukraine and Risks to Nuclear Infrastructure (As of 10:45 on 4 March 2022)

Author(s): Marcin Andrzej Piotrowski / Language(s): English

Keywords: Russia; attack; aggression; Ukraine; nuclear infrastructure; risk; Chernoby;

Russia’s full-scale invasion has increased the risks for civilian nuclear infrastructure in Ukraine. Russian troops so far have captured the former Chernobyl nuclear power plant complex and Europe’s biggest nuclear power plant, Zaporizhzhia in Enerhodar. The intense use of artillery, rockets, and bombs may become a direct threat to various nuclear sector centres in Ukraine. However, the probability for contamination is low. Nevertheless, in case of such a scenario, its impact on Ukraine and its neighbours would be serious, and in an extreme case, catastrophic.