At 6:36 on March 24, Beijing time:
UN Security Council fails to pass draft resolution on Ukrainian humanitarian issue, China calls for maximum efforts to seek consensus
On March 23, local time, the UN Security Council voted on a draft resolution on Ukraine’s humanitarian issues proposed by Russia. With 2 votes in favor and 13 abstentions, the resolution failed to pass. Among them, Russia and China voted in favor.
Zhang Jun, China’s permanent representative to the United Nations, said in his explanatory remarks after the Security Council vote that the humanitarian situation in Ukraine continued to deteriorate after the outbreak of the crisis, and the spillover effects continued to expand, causing widespread concern in the international community. The Security Council has held numerous discussions on Ukrainian humanitarian issues, and reports of increased civilian casualties, rising refugee numbers and a serious lack of humanitarian assistance are deplorable. Like many members, China has always called for avoiding civilian casualties to the greatest extent possible and making every effort to meet basic humanitarian needs. At the same time, China has always advocated that the Security Council should fulfill its primary responsibility of maintaining international peace and security and play its due role in Ukraine’s humanitarian issue.
Zhang Jun said that China has put forward a six-point initiative on the humanitarian situation in Ukraine and has provided several batches of humanitarian relief supplies to the Ukrainian Red Cross. We welcome any initiatives and initiatives from other parties that can help alleviate and resolve the humanitarian crisis in Ukraine. Over the past few weeks, the Security Council has held back and forth on draft resolutions proposed by France, Mexico and Russia. China has been actively participating and has always called on all parties to focus on humanitarian issues, transcend political differences, try their best to seek consensus, and make active efforts to deal with the current humanitarian crisis. Regrettably, the Council failed to reach the broadest possible consensus in the end.
Zhang Jun pointed out that the international community generally hopes to realize a ceasefire as soon as possible, which is also China’s strong expectation. We believe that while promoting a ceasefire and ending the war, the Security Council should also deal with humanitarian crises in a positive, pragmatic and constructive manner. China voted in favor of the relevant draft resolution. The fundamental starting point is to promote the international community to attach great importance to the humanitarian situation in Ukraine, and to call on relevant parties to strengthen coordination on humanitarian issues, effectively protect the safety of civilians, especially vulnerable groups such as women and children, and provide for the evacuation of personnel. and humanitarian relief operations. We welcome the United Nations to play a coordinating role in humanitarian assistance, support the work of the Ukraine crisis coordinator, and encourage the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees and other agencies to take active actions to mobilize the international community to provide indiscriminate humanitarian assistance to all those in need. Resettlement of refugees and displaced persons in Ukraine and surrounding countries. The principles of humanity, neutrality and impartiality established in UNGA Resolution 46/182 should be strictly observed in humanitarian relief operations.
Zhang Jun emphasized that China pursues an independent foreign policy, and has always determined our position and proposition on relevant issues in a responsible manner based on the merits of the matter itself. On the Ukraine issue, China has always insisted that the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all countries should be respected, the purposes and principles of the UN Charter should be abided by, the legitimate security concerns of all countries should be taken seriously, and all efforts conducive to the peaceful resolution of the crisis should be supported.
Zhang Jun said that the Ukrainian crisis has brought severe challenges to the world, and the key now is for the parties concerned to demonstrate political will and find a proper solution through negotiations as soon as possible. The international community should create space for peace and room for political settlement. It is imperative to call on all parties to exercise maximum restraint, avoid civilian casualties, and prevent a larger humanitarian crisis. The long-term solution is to abandon the Cold War mentality, refrain from engaging in camp confrontation, and gradually build a balanced, effective and sustainable global and regional security architecture. The Chinese side will continue to be committed to promoting peace talks, to speak out for peace, and to do its best for peace.
At 6:32 on March 24, Beijing time:
Russian Foreign Minister: Russia will not rely on the West and is willing to cooperate with the West on an equal footing
On March 23, local time, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said that Russia will not rely on the West, but is willing to cooperate with the West on an equal footing. He criticized Western countries led by the United States for trying to restore the international order of the unipolar world and wantonly attacking countries that pursued an independent policy. The U.S. goal, he said, is to contain Russia, as well as any other country that has independent and autonomous capabilities on the world stage.
Lavrov stressed that no matter how the West exerts pressure, Russia can remain independent. He believes that Russia has enough resources and talent to achieve self-sufficiency while being open to the outside world. As far as NATO’s policy toward Russia is concerned, Ukraine was actually chosen as a tool to suppress Russia’s independence.
At 5:49 on March 24, Beijing time:
Germany plans to supply Ukraine with 2,000 rocket-propelled grenade launchers
The German Federal Ministry of Defense plans to supply Ukraine with an additional 2,000 rocket-propelled grenade launchers from stockpiles. On the 23rd local time, the German Ministry of Defense submitted a relevant application to the Federal Security Council on the same day. But it is worth noting that German Defense Minister Lambrecht has recently claimed that the ministry has been unable to provide more weapons or equipment from the inventory.
Up to now, the Ukrainian side has obtained 1,000 anti-tank weapons, 500 “Stinger” surface-to-air missiles, and 500 of the old stocks of about 2,700 Soviet-made “Needle” man-portable air defense missiles from the inventory of the German Ministry of Defense. pieces. And according to German Federal Foreign Minister Bell Burke, Germany is still providing other types of “Needle” man-portable air defense missiles.
At 5:40 on March 24, Beijing time:
President of France’s Total Energy Group: Can’t live without Russian gas
On March 23, local time, French Total Energy Group President Boujanel said that France cannot give up Russian natural gas. Without Russian natural gas, a considerable part of European economic activities will be stagnant.
Total Energy Group announced on Tuesday that it will phase out purchases of Russian oil and petroleum products by the end of 2022. Boujanel said on Wednesday that Russia’s oil and diesel are replaceable, but natural gas is irreplaceable. If the import of natural gas from Russia is stopped, there will be no natural gas available. The natural gas purchase contract with Russia is as long as 25 years. The group will not consider withdrawing from Russia. Withdrawal is to hand over the investment of 13 billion US dollars to Russia.
Boujanel also said that without Russian gas, economic activity in parts of Europe would come to a standstill. At this stage, EU countries have not imposed sanctions on Russian natural gas. If the use of Russian natural gas is stopped, Europe will have to ration some industrial use of natural gas by January 2023.
At 5:26 on March 24, Beijing time:
UN Security Council rejects draft resolution on humanitarian situation in Ukraine
On March 23, local time, the UN Security Council voted on a draft resolution on the humanitarian situation in Ukraine proposed by Russia. With 2 votes in favor and 13 abstentions, the resolution failed to pass. Among them, Russia and China voted in favor.
At 5:10 on March 24, Beijing time:
French company Leroy Merlin reiterates that it will not withdraw from the Russian market
On March 23, local time, Leroy Merlin, a large French building materials company, once again stated that it would not withdraw from the Russian market. A withdrawal from Russia would be considered a premeditated bankruptcy, thereby giving Russia ownership.
It is reported that the company had previously said it would suspend new investments in Russia.
On the afternoon of the 23rd, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky called on French companies to withdraw from the Russian market in a video speech at the French National Assembly, including Renault, Leroy Merlin, Auchan and other well-known companies.
At 4:56 on March 24, Beijing time:
Russian Foreign Minister: If NATO sends peacekeeping troops to Ukraine, it will lead to direct conflict with Russia
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov emphasized when meeting teachers and students at the Moscow Institute of International Relations on the 23rd that if NATO sends peacekeeping troops to Ukraine, it will lead to a direct conflict between Russia and NATO.
Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov:“Poland has said that they will propose at the NATO summit to send a peacekeeping force[to Ukraine]. I hope they know what they are talking about, which will lead to a direct confrontation between Russian and NATO military forces, which everyone is avoiding Happened. Everyone said it shouldn’t have happened.”
Talking about the Russia-Ukraine negotiations, Lavrov said that the ongoing negotiations with Ukraine are very difficult, and Ukraine often changes its position. It is hard not to think that the United States is manipulating Ukraine behind its back in an attempt to obstruct Russia’s negotiations with Ukraine. Lavrov pointed out that the ultimate goal of the West is to maintain a unipolar world. The West wants to contain competitors. Ukraine was used as a tool to curb Russian autonomy.
At 4:41 on March 24, Beijing time:
German Chancellor: Do not support energy embargo on Russia
On the 23rd local time, German Chancellor Scholz said in a speech in the Bundestag that Germany does not support the imposition of an energy embargo on Russia, because it will seriously hurt the economy of Germany and even the whole of Europe.
Scholz said he has had close calls with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in recent days. Scholz refuted the proposal to impose an energy embargo on Russia.
German Chancellor Scholz: “Our dependence on Russia’s oil, coal, natural gas has been growing in recent decades. We will end this dependence as soon as possible, but if hasty measures are taken, the economy of Germany and of Europe as a whole will fall into recession, hundreds of thousands of Jobs will be lost and the entire industrial sector will be at risk.”
Scholz stressed that the sanctions should not hit the EU more severely than Russia. At present, the large-scale sanctions imposed on Russia have had a negative impact on the lives of Germans, and this is not only reflected in high energy prices.
In his speech, Scholz clearly expressed Germany’s position of supporting Ukraine, but he also pointed out that Germany does not support the establishment of a no-fly zone in Ukraine and will not send troops to Ukraine. Scholz said Germany had reached a consensus with the United States and other European allies that NATO would never be a party to the conflict.
Beijing time at 4:7 on March 24:
Ukraine plans to exchange 11 Russian sailors for captured Snake Island defenders
On the 23rd local time, Ukrainian Deputy Prime Minister Veresuk said that Ukraine plans to exchange 11 Russian sailors for 92 Ukrainian personnel captured on Snake Island. Veresuk said that the Russian Federation Human Rights Commissioner Moskalkova suggested an exchange of equal numbers and identities, but the Ukrainian side believes that in some identities, it is impossible for the Ukrainian side to find a suitable exchange partner.
Earlier, the Russian Ministry of Defense announced that 82 Ukrainian personnel had been captured on Snake Island, while Ukrainian media initially announced that all local defenders had been killed.
Beijing time at 4:6 on March 24:
Sweden to supply Ukraine with more military equipment
On March 23, local time, Swedish Defense Minister Hultquist said that Sweden will provide Ukraine with an additional 5,000 anti-tank rocket launchers.
At 2:42 on March 24, Beijing time:
Ukrainian President and British Prime Minister discuss military aid to Ukraine by phone
On the 23rd local time, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky had a phone call with British Prime Minister Boris Johnson. Zelensky said on his official Twitter that he and Johnson discussed issues such as military aid to Ukraine during the call.
At 2:24 on March 24, Beijing time:
The Central Bank of Russia will resume the calculation of the Moscow Exchange index and the corresponding USD RTS index
On the 23rd local time, the Central Bank of Russia announced that it will resume the calculation of the Moscow Exchange Index and the corresponding US dollar RTS index from the 24th.
At 2:14 on March 24, Beijing time:
Russian Foreign Ministry announces expulsion of U.S. diplomats in Russia
On the 23rd local time, the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued an announcement saying that in response to the US expelling the diplomats of the Russian Permanent Mission to the United Nations in New York and a Russian official of the United Nations Secretariat, the Russian Foreign Ministry summoned senior diplomats of the US diplomatic mission in Moscow on the 23rd. , handed him a note with a list of U.S. diplomats to be expelled.
The U.S. side was told that any hostile U.S. action against Russia would be met with a strong and adequate response.
The Russian Foreign Ministry announcement did not specify the number of U.S. diplomats to be expelled.
Beijing time at 0:02 on March 24:
Russian ambassador to Poland: Poland freezes bank account of Russian embassy in Warsaw
On the 23rd local time, the Russian ambassador to Poland said that Poland had frozen the bank account of the Russian embassy in Warsaw.
At 23:57 on March 23, Beijing time:
Russian President Vladimir Putin Talks with Israeli Prime Minister Bennett
On the 23rd local time, Russian President Vladimir Putin and Israeli Prime Minister Bennett spoke on the phone.
Putin reviewed the Russian-Ukrainian negotiations and a special military operation to protect the Donbas region. Bennett made an assessment of the situation in Ukraine, introduced contacts with leaders of other countries, and made suggestions for the negotiations between Russia and Ukraine.
The two sides also agreed to continue the dialogue.
At 23:22 on March 23, Beijing time:
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky delivers video speech at French National Assembly
On the afternoon of March 23 local time, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky delivered a video speech to the French National Assembly. In his speech, Zelensky called on all French companies to withdraw from the Russian market.
In addition, Zelensky also expressed the hope that France can help find a way out in Russia’s search for a peaceful solution to the crisis.
At 23:06 on March 23, Beijing time:
U.S. officials say first military aid to Ukraine worth $800 million has arrived
On the 23rd local time, a U.S. government official said that the first batch of the latest U.S. military aid to Ukraine with a total value of 800 million U.S. dollars has arrived in Ukraine. The U.S. will send the remainder of the $800 million in military aid to Ukraine as soon as possible, the officials said.
It is reported that the delivery of most of the $200 million in military aid to Ukraine announced by Biden on March 12 has been completed.
At 21:45 on March 23, Beijing time:
Russian President Vladimir Putin and German Chancellor Scholz discuss Ukraine by phone
On the 23rd local time, Russian President Vladimir Putin and German Chancellor Scholz discussed the Ukraine issue by telephone. Putin focused on Russia’s consideration of the principled position of the negotiations.
At 21:5 on March 23, Beijing time:
ILO announces suspension of cooperation with Russia
On the 23rd local time, the International Labour Organization announced the suspension of cooperation with Russia.
At 21:3 on March 23, Beijing time:
Belarus: Visa-free entry for evacuees from Ukraine’s war zone before April 15
On the 23rd local time, the Belarusian Ministry of Foreign Affairs decided that people evacuated from the war zone in Ukraine before April 15th can enter without a visa.
At 20:50 on March 23, Beijing time:
Poland announces expulsion of 45 Russian diplomats
On March 23, local time, Polish Foreign Ministry spokesman Jasina announced that Poland has decided to significantly reduce the number of diplomatic personnel at the Russian embassy in Warsaw. 45 people with different diplomatic titles need to leave the territory of Poland, except for one person who needs to leave the country within 48 hours, and the other 44 people who need to leave the country within 5 days.
At 20:43 on March 23, Beijing time:
Belarus reduces Ukrainian diplomatic staff in Belarus and closes Ukrainian consulate general
On the 23rd local time, the Belarusian Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that the Ukrainian diplomatic staff in Belarus will be reduced to five people, including the ambassador, and the rest must leave the country within 72 hours. In addition, a decision has been taken to close the Ukrainian Consulate General in Brest.
At 20:30 on March 23, Beijing time:
Putin: The supply of natural gas to European countries will be settled in rubles
On the 23rd local time, Russian President Vladimir Putin made a decision that the supply of natural gas to European countries will be settled in rubles. Putin asked Russia’s central bank and government to formulate rules for ruble settlements with European countries within a week. He also said that Russia will establish a clear and transparent payment system for foreign consumers, which will include allowing foreign consumers to buy Russian rubles in Russia’s domestic foreign exchange market.
On the same day, Russian State Duma Chairman Vorokin said that the refusal to use the dollar and euro to settle natural gas transactions was a historic decision, without which Russia’s financial and economic sovereignty would be impossible.
At 19:47 on March 23, Beijing time:
The Central Bank of Russia decided to resume trading of 33 stocks on the Moscow Exchange on the 24th
The Central Bank of Russia decided to resume trading of 33 stocks on the Moscow Exchange from the 24th.
At 19:35 on March 23, Beijing time:
Ukraine denies Ukraine and Russia exchanged detainees twice
Ukrainian Deputy Prime Minister Veresyuk denied that there had been two exchanges of detainees between Ukraine and Russia, saying it was a unilateral Russian conjecture.
Earlier, Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Zakharova said that Russia and Ukraine have exchanged detainees twice.
At 19:35 on March 23, Beijing time:
EU allows member states to give subsidies to companies hurt by sanctions on Russia
The European Commission launched a “temporary crisis relief plan” on the 23rd local time, allowing member states to issue subsidies to companies that have suffered losses due to EU sanctions against Russia.
Such subsidies are divided into three categories. One is the direct payment of compensation of up to 400,000 euros by the government to the damaged enterprises. The second is government guarantees to encourage banks to continue lending to damaged businesses. The third is to specifically target high-energy-consuming enterprises that have suffered huge losses due to rising energy prices, such as aluminum processing, glass fiber and fertilizer production. These companies can receive a subsidy of 30% of their energy expenditure, up to 50 million euros.
The EU’s temporary rescue plan is tentatively scheduled to be implemented until the end of the year.