Shortly before the first anniversary of the start of the war in Ukraine, China surprisingly announced a peace initiative at the Munich Security Conference. However, at the summit meeting in the Bavarian capital, government representatives in Kiev were skeptical that Russia could be brought to the negotiating table on acceptable terms. Deputy Prime Minister Olexander Kubrakow and Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba used the conference to persuade their partners to continue arms deliveries.
In addition to fighter jets, controversial cluster munitions and phosphorus incendiary weapons were specifically mentioned. Britain announced it would be the first country to supply Ukraine with “long-range weapons”. “Now is the time to step up our military support,” British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said at the summit meeting, which took place just before the anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine this Friday. “Together we must help Ukraine protect its cities from Russian bombs and Iranian drones,” Sunak said.
China: We will submit something
The peace initiative was announced on Saturday by China’s top foreign policy leader Wang Yi and is expected to be presented at the United Nations General Assembly in New York by the end of this week, according to diplomats. “We will submit something. Namely, China’s position on the political settlement of the Ukraine crisis,” Wang Yi said on Saturday, according to the official translation. The chaos and conflict that is currently hurting the world has been provoked because the principles of the UN Charter are not being adhered to.
Wang Yi did not provide details about the planned initiative. However, he made it clear that it will be based on the UN Charter. The founding treaty of the United Nations stipulates, among other things, that all members shall refrain from any threat or use of force directed against the territorial integrity or political independence of any state.
Baerbock: Use every chance for peace
German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock welcomed Beijing’s initiative. It is good if China “sees a responsibility to stand up for world peace,” said the Green politician. When asked what opportunities she gave such a Chinese peace push, Baerbock added, “When you work for peace all year round, you have to take every opportunity for peace.”
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Kuleba, on the other hand, reacted cautiously to the announcements made by the Russian-linked country and ruled out negotiations that could lead to Ukraine losing territory. It is also in Ukraine’s interest for China to play a role in the search for peace. However, the territorial integrity of Ukraine is non-negotiable. “There are no compromises, not on the smallest square meter.”
Controversy over cluster munitions
Statements by Ukrainian Deputy Prime Minister Kubrakov, who campaigned for the supply of cluster munitions and phosphorus incendiary weapons, caused a sensation in Munich. The US and several other allies have millions of rounds of it, he explained, arguing that this type of ammunition could help resist the attackers.
However, there were no positive signals from the partners. NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg told RTL/ntv: “We supply artillery and other types of weapons, but not cluster bombs.”
Cluster munitions are munitions that disperse or deliver smaller explosives, the so-called sub-munitions. Phosphorus munitions can cause severe burns and poisoning. Internationally, the use of both weapons is highly controversial. More than 100 countries have even signed an international treaty banning the use of cluster munitions – but not countries like Ukraine, Russia or the US.
Kuleba also referred to that in Munich. There are no legal barriers to Ukraine’s use of cluster munitions, he said. If his country received them, they would only be used against the Russian forces. Ukraine has evidence that Russia is using cluster munitions, he stressed.
In her speech in Munich, US Vice President Kamala Harris did not comment on Ukraine’s specific arms requests. However, she promised Ukraine further military support and again made serious accusations against Russia. “We have examined the evidence, we know the legal standards and there is no doubt: these are crimes against humanity,” she said, referring to Russia’s actions in Ukraine. She spoke of “widespread and systematic attacks on the civilian population” and accused Russian troops of murder, torture, rape and deportation.
The US vice president threatened those responsible in Russia with consequences: “I say to all those who committed these crimes and their superiors who are complicit in these crimes: You will be held accountable.”
French President Emmanuel Macron and Chancellor Olaf Scholz (SPD), among others, spoke at the security conference in Munich on Friday. In total, some 40 heads of state or government and nearly 100 ministers took part in the international meeting of security policy experts. The Munich police barely reported any incidents at gatherings and gatherings around the conference. (sda/dpa)
Soource :Watson
I am Amelia James, a passionate journalist with a deep-rooted interest in current affairs. I have more than five years of experience in the media industry, working both as an author and editor for 24 Instant News. My main focus lies in international news, particularly regional conflicts and political issues around the world.
