This will be a difficult winter for Ukraine. The war, now as long as any world war of the last century, has worsened in recent weeks: every night is a night filled with sirens and bombs, innocent civilian casualties, power grids so badly damaged that they leave homes cold and dark. It is time to show, on the streets and in decision-making bodies, that we are not indifferent to this terrible war, as the civilian population faces the risk of a real humanitarian crisis. It is right to say, also to the Italian political powers: if not now, when?
The difficulties come not only from the Donbass front, where Russia is carrying out attacks and elsewhere Putin sacrificing thousands of soldiers – more than two hundred thousand died this year alone – to gain a few kilometers. In fact, the Energoatom bribery scandal has complicated the situation. A scandal soon erupted Zelenskyalso because last July the president signed a law that actually limits the powers of anti-corruption authorities, thereby triggering a real uprising in civil society.
The law was eventually repealed and now Zelensky reacted quickly, forcing his resignation and promising firmness and transparency. But corruption, an ancient crime in Ukraine, has embroiled the president’s ministers and friends and that is enough for those looking for an excuse to simply leave Kiev.
Needless to say, the first person to make himself heard Viktor Orbánwho is famous as a defender of the rule of law. And from us Matteo Salvini. There is no evidence of any particular anger on the part of our deputy prime minister towards the Russian oligarchy or towards the entanglement between the world’s economic powers and political decision makers, but this time he was so offended that he targeted the European Fund for the purchase of American weapons for Kiev.
If Italy, alone among the major European countries, withdrew from its commitment to the Fund, it would be a shame. “A war of aggression against a neighboring country is a crime,” he recalled Sergio Mattarella in his solemn speech before the Bundestag, I believe that the government and Parliament will take the right decision by continuing to support those who are fighting aggression.
The square is empty for Ukraine
by Luigi Manconi
Easy excuses aside, it is time for everyone to reflect on the difficulties Ukraine faces. The biggest mistake we can make is to conclude that Ukraine is completely destroyed. This would be a mediocre alibi for Western fearmongering and a great prize for Russia’s propaganda war.
So let’s start by saying that, despite the difficulties, Ukraine persevered. Russia’s progress on the ground is insignificant for now: only 2% of Ukraine’s territory will be controlled by the end of 2023. The damage to Russia’s economic system is significant, especially to refinery capacity, which was reduced by 20%. The losses Russia suffered in what Putin described as a simple “special military operation” were appalling and on the home front, despite excellent economic treatment, the number of volunteer soldiers began to dwindle.
Rather than looking for arguments for disengagement, now is the time to redouble our efforts to achieve a just and lasting peace. There are three very important goals right now.
First, it quickly unblocked the Reparations Loan, a European loan based on frozen Russian state assets. This is not about confiscating those assets, but using them as a basis for loans, without which next year Ukraine’s budget, 60% of which is allocated to defense, will be short of more than 20 billion US dollars. Economic aid no longer comes from the United States and the Monetary Fund (MF) is waiting to see what steps Brussels takes: so it all depends on us, the European people.
Second, finally take action against Moscow’s “shadow fleet,” namely more than a hundred old tankers that transport Russian oil to other parts of the world. Here, of course, orientation is decisive Donald Trumpconstantly oscillates between a president who humiliates Zelensky – “you don’t have the cards” – and exalts Putin in Alaska, and a president who sanctions oil giants Lukoil and Rosneft and even doubles import duties on India for purchases of Russian oil.
Third, carry out a European diplomatic offensive centered on Ukraine’s proposal for an unconditional ceasefire on the current front. This proposal was rejected by Putin, who first claimed it could eliminate the “root cause” of the conflict, namely the existence of Ukraine autonomous from Moscow and linked to the European Union. However, this remains a matter of discussion and refutes many parties who complain about the absence of a European peace initiative or even accuse Ukraine of not wanting to negotiate. The strength of this proposal can guide the American administration and achieve consensus among influential countries in the South where Chinese diplomacy has succeeded in defending Moscow’s cause.
Yes, it will be a tough winter for Ukraine. But if we don’t lift the veil of indifference, next winter will be worse for all of us.
