The head of Ukrainian diplomacy, visiting Iraq on Monday, was skeptical about the chances of success of peace efforts, saying that “Russia wants war”. “Today Russia wants war. It will take time for peace efforts,” said Dmytro Kouleba, whose country has been attacked since February 2022 by Russia. “You cannot say that you are in favor of peace while trying to conquer more territories, committing more atrocities, destroying villages and towns”, launched Dmytro Kouleba, during a conference of press in Baghdad with his Iraqi counterpart Fouad Hussein.
The main information to remember:
– Ukraine skeptical of peace efforts
– A discussion between Emmanuel Macron and Volodymyr Zelensky on Saturday
– Russian opponent Vladimir Kara-Murza sentenced to 25 years in prison, a sentence of rare severity which illustrates the relentless repression in Russia against those who criticize the offensive in Ukraine
Mediation offers between the two countries have multiplied in recent weeks. On Sunday, Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva said he had discussed joint mediation with China and the United Arab Emirates, accusing the United States and Europe of prolonging the conflict.
A discussion on Saturday between Macron and Zelensky
On Saturday, French President Emmanuel Macron discussed with his Ukrainian counterpart Volodymyr Zelensky “next steps in the organization of a summit for peace”. “Russia must accept something very simple: stop the war and withdraw from Ukrainian territory. This will create space for diplomacy”, underlined Dmytro Kouleba, recalling that “the restoration of the territorial integrity of Ukraine” represented “the cornerstone” of any peace effort.
Iraq also offered mediation, after unprecedented talks between Iran and Saudi Arabia launched in 2021. The two major regional rivals finally announced in March a resumption of their diplomatic relations under the aegis of Beijing. On Monday, the head of Iraqi diplomacy Fouad Hussein assured that Iraq was ready to “help” Russia and Ukraine “to first reach a ceasefire, then to start discussions”. “When the two parties are convinced that it is necessary to launch dialogue, Baghdad will be at the service of both sides,” he added.
First visit in 11 years by a Ukrainian foreign minister to Iraq
This is the first visit to Iraq in 11 years by a Ukrainian foreign minister, and the first trip to Baghdad by Dmytro Kouleba since the beginning of the Russian invasion. It follows the visit to Baghdad in February by the head of Russian diplomacy Sergey Lavrov.
Supported by its Western partners, Ukraine is trying to consolidate its diplomatic support among emerging countries, particularly in the Middle East and Asia. In October Dmytro Kouleba launched the first African tour in the history of his country – cut short because of the war.
Opponent Vladimir Kara-Murza sentenced to 25 years in prison
A Moscow court on Monday sentenced opponent Vladimir Kara-Mourza to 25 years in prison, a sentence of rare severity which illustrates the relentless repression in Russia against those who criticize the offensive in Ukraine. The sentence handed down to Vladimir Kara-Murza, who was one of the last major Kremlin critics not to be behind bars or exiled abroad, is the heaviest imposed on an opponent in the country’s recent history.
After a trial behind closed doors, the court announced that it recognized the opponent guilty of “high treason”, spreading “false information” about the Russian army and illegal work for an organization “ undesirable”, according to an AFP journalist. As a result, he was sentenced to a cumulative term of 25 years in a harsh regime penal colony, which implies stricter prison conditions. Either what the prosecution had requested.
Handcuffed in the cage assigned to the defendants, and dressed in blue jeans, a black t-shirt and a gray jacket, the 41-year-old opponent welcomed the verdict with a smile, before enjoining by gestures his supporters to write to him in prison.
Journalist Gershkovich, imprisoned in Russia, is “in good health”, according to the American ambassador
Journalist Evan Gershkovich, imprisoned in Russia on espionage charges, is “in good health”, US Ambassador Lynne Tracy announced on Monday after being able to visit him in his detention center for the first time. “I visited Evan Gershkovich of the Wall Street Journal in Lefortovo prison (…) he is in good health and remains strong,” she said, quoted on her embassy’s Twitter account, calling once again to the release of the American journalist, on the eve of the appeal hearing on his detention.