Diplomatic Update – Twelfth Day of War - 7 March 2022 20:00 (GMT+1)
On Monday, the spokesman for Kremlin Dmitry Peskov said Ukraine will not face any further danger if it promises to not join any further blocs, gives up the Donetsk and Lugansk republics, and acknowledges Crimea as Russian. Combined with the so-far unsuccessful military action, these demands, which are lighter than before, may signal weakened diplomatic leverage on Putin’s side.
The last few days brought with them repeated ceasefires across Ukraine, many of which failed, such as in Mariupol or Volnovakha. These were meant to serve as evacuation initiatives for civilians, but which had to be stopped due to continued shelling and other attacks. In response, Russia proposed to establish humanitarian corridors which would allow trapped civilians to safely escape to the neighbouring Belarus and Russia, both countries that participate in the invasion. Ukraine has labelled these corridors ‘immoral’ and rejected them.
March 7th brought a significant U-turn on the part of Hungary’s Prime Minister Victor Orban, who has so far aimed to protect the country’s citizens through a no-transit policy. Today, Orban allowed for lethal weapons to be sent to Ukraine on the condition they transit through a Nato country before. His decision came after severe criticisms from the domestic and international communities.
Lastly, in the most significant diplomatic move today, EU ambassadors have officially started the examination process of the applications for Moldova, Georgia, and Ukraine to join the bloc. While the admission process might take years, this might be amended due to the emergency situation.