As the war between Russia and Ukraine enters its 403rd day, we take a look at the main developments.
This is the state of affairs on Sunday, April 2, 2023:
War, diplomacy
- Belarus and Moscow mark a day of unity, commemorating a 1996 treaty aimed at creating a union state of the two Slavic neighbours. Read here how the two countries developed closer ties during the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
- With no suggestion of a negotiated end to the 13-month fighting between Russia and Ukraine, Ukraine’s defense minister last week said a spring counter-offensive could begin as early as April. How will this offensive go? Read here.
- Ukraine has labeled Russia’s presidency of the United Nations Security Council for April as “a symbolic blow”, joining a chorus of outrage from Western countries.
- A court in Ukraine’s capital has sentenced a top religious leader to house arrest, according to his church, amid hearings on whether he glorified invading Russian troops and fomented religious division.
- The Wall Street Journal has demanded the immediate release of Moscow-based correspondent Evan Gershkovich, who has been arrested by Russia’s FSB on suspicion of espionage. The newspaper called the arrest “a vicious affront to the free press”.
- Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu, during a visit to the headquarters of the Moscow troops fighting in the country, has promised to increase the supply of ammunition to the Russian armed forces in Ukraine, according to images published by the Department of Defense.
- Proposals to stop Russian companies from sending liquefied natural gas to European Union countries were welcomed by EU Energy Commissioner Kadri Simson.
Sport
- The International Olympic Committee has criticized Ukraine’s decision not to allow Ukrainian athletes to participate in qualifying events for the 2024 Paris Olympics if they have to compete against Russians, saying this only affects Ukrainian athletes sport and its athletes.
- The war has killed 262 Ukrainian athletes and destroyed 363 sports facilities, Ukrainian Sports Minister Vadym Huttsait said on Saturday. He said no athletes from Russia should be allowed into the Olympics or other sports competitions.
- Wimbledon champion Elena Rybakina said the grass court Grand Slam was right to overturn the ban on Russian and Belarusian players, allowing them to compete as “neutral” athletes this year.