Russia's military invasion of Ukraine continues.
Russian and Ukrainian forces continue to fight in various parts of Ukraine, and many civilians have fled the country.
We will keep you updated on developments regarding the situation in Ukraine on the 21st (Japan time), including the situation of the battle and the diplomacy of the countries involved.
(There is a 6 hour time difference between Japan and Ukraine, and a 6 hour time difference with Moscow, Russia)
President Putin emphasizes his stance to invade Ukraine on the momentum of overwhelming election victory
Russian President Vladimir Putin said, ``Victory in the election is only the beginning of the victory that Russia will surely achieve,'' and emphasized his stance to proceed with a military invasion of Ukraine, using the landslide victory in the presidential election as momentum.
On the 20th, President Putin, who won an overwhelming victory in the Russian presidential election, gave a speech at the Moscow Kremlin in front of representatives who supported his campaign.
In this regard, he mentioned that there are continuing movements that appear to be cross-border attacks from the Ukrainian side in Belgorod Oblast, western Russia, which borders Ukraine, and stated that ``the first goal is to ensure security.'' He indicated his intention to strengthen measures in the zone.
He then stated, ``Victory in the presidential election is only the beginning of the victory that Russia will surely achieve,'' and emphasized his stance to proceed with a military invasion of Ukraine, using the overwhelming victory in the election as momentum.
President Putin also held a meeting at the Kremlin on the 19th, the previous day, with representatives from all parties in parliament, emphasizing unity.
At this meeting, Russian Communist Party leader Zyuganov said, ``I hope your first visit will be to the East, not the West. Chinese President Xi Jinping is looking forward to your visit.'' The president responded, ``I'll definitely consider it.''
Prior to this, Reuters reported, citing multiple sources, that President Putin will visit China as his first overseas destination after attending the inauguration ceremony for his fifth term in May this year, and will hold a summit with President Xi Jinping. It is reported that it is expected to do so.
EU “Supporting Ukraine with interest on Russian frozen assets” proposed to member states
The European Union (EU) has proposed to its member states a policy to utilize interest earned from the assets of the Russian Central Bank, which had been frozen following the invasion of Ukraine, to support Ukraine.
On the 20th, the European Commission, the EU's executive body, announced that interest earned from approximately 210 billion euros or 34 trillion yen in assets of the Russian central bank, which had been frozen within the region as part of sanctions following the military invasion of Ukraine, would be transferred to Ukraine. We compiled policies for use in support and proposed them to member countries.
It is expected that 2.5 to 3 billion euros or 400 billion to 500 billion yen will be spent annually, of which the EU will provide 90% for military aid and the remaining 10% for the reconstruction of Ukraine and the strengthening of its defense industry. I would like to use it for support.
Regarding Russia's frozen assets, the United States is proactive in confiscating and utilizing the assets themselves, but the EU is concerned about the legality of the confiscation from some member states such as France and Germany, as well as concerns about retaliatory measures by Russia. It has been reported that there are many people who are saying that they should do so, and they are taking a cautious stance.
This proposal to use the interest, rather than the frozen assets themselves, to support Ukraine is scheduled to be discussed at the EU summit meeting starting on the 21st.
The European Commission would like to obtain the agreement of all member states as soon as possible, which will lead to support for Ukraine.
Russian spokesperson: ``It destroys the legal foundations of international law''
Commenting on the proposal, Russian Presidential Spokesman Peskov told reporters on the 20th that it would destroy the legal basis of European law and international law. Such a decision would have a negative impact on the country's economy, image and reputation. "The people and countries that made these decisions will no doubt be subject to lawsuits for decades to come."