{"id":780,"date":"2023-03-08T23:09:09","date_gmt":"2023-03-09T04:09:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/carleton.ca\/warinukraineobservatory\/warinukraineobservatory\/?post_type=cu_description&p=780"},"modified":"2025-11-11T10:50:33","modified_gmt":"2025-11-11T15:50:33","slug":"march-2023","status":"publish","type":"cu_description","link":"https:\/\/carleton.ca\/warinukraineobservatory\/description\/march-2023\/","title":{"rendered":"MARCH 2023"},"content":{"rendered":"\n\n\n
\n

\n \n <\/h1>\n\n <\/header>\n\n

March 30<\/strong>
\nOSCE calls for \u2018Moscow Mechanism\u2019
\nThe OSCE has delivered a joint statement together with the EU Member States and over a dozen of other states to invoke the ‘Moscow Mechanism’ in response to continued violations of human rights. The statement called for a request of an inquiry led by ODIHR to create a mission of experts to build upon evidence of violations of human rights within the context of international law as well as provide relevant information on appropriate accountability mechanisms or possible courts or tribunals which might have jurisdiction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

March 29<\/strong>
\nGermany to provide additional aid
\nGermany has announced additional aid for Ukraine. 3.2 billion euros will be disbursed in 2023 and the rest up to 8.8 billion euros will be spread over 2024-2032 period.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

March 28<\/strong>
\nIOC sets out recommendations
\nThe International Olympic Committee has set out a list of recommendations regarding the participation of athletes with Russian and Belarusian passports. Reiterating solidarity with Ukraine and supporting the sanctions against Russian and Belarusian governments, the IOC stated that sports organizations “must have the sole responsibility to decide which athletes can take part in international competitions based on their sporting merits and not on political grounds or because of their passports.” Among the six recommendations are the following: athletes with a Russian or Belarusian passport can only compete as Individual Neutral Athletes; no teams of athletes with Russian or Belarusian passports are allowed; supporters of war cannot compete; athletes contracted in either country cannot compete; all INA must meet anti-doping requirements; and lastly the sanctions against the two governments must remain.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

March 26  <\/strong>
\nAdditional sanctions possible for Russia
\nLithuania, in response to the news coming out of Moscow on the movement of nuclear weapons in Belarus, asked for additional sanctions to be applied on Russia and Belarus in addition to the current package.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

March 25  <\/strong>
\nRussia sends missile system to Belarus
\nRussian President Vladimir Putin has announced a plan to station nuclear weapons in Belarus. President Putin has stated Moscow has transferred an Iskander short-range missile system capable of carrying tactical warheads to Belarus. Additionally, the construction of a tactical nuclear weapons storage facility in Belarus will begin in July.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

March 24<\/strong>
\nWorld Bank delegation in Kyiv
\nPresident Volodymyr Zelenksyy met with the World Bank delegation led by Anna Bjerde. During this meeting, President Zelenskyy highlighted the importance of working with Ukraine in order to implement business insurance programs to facilitate job creation, as well as the importance of restoring lost and damaged infrastructure. This meeting came a day after the World Bank announced that the cu_event_costs for Ukraine’s restoration and reconstruction amounts to at least $411 billion.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

March 23  <\/strong>
\nFour jets delivered to Ukraine from Slovakia
\nSlovakia has delivered four out of 13 pledged fighter jets to Ukraine. The Soviet-era fighter jets have been safely delivered to Ukraine by Ukrainian pilots. It is expected that the rest of the planes will be sent to Ukraine in the upcoming weeks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bulgaria wont send ammunition to Ukraine
\nBulgarian President Rumen Radev has announced that “Bulgaria does not participate in the joint European plan to supply shells to Ukraine.” Radev clarified that Bulgaria will not send ammunition to countries which will re-send them to Ukraine either.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

March 22<\/strong>
\nCanada extends Emergency Travel Authorization
\nCanadian Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship has announced that the Government of Canada will extend the Canada-Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel launched originally on March 17, 2022. This cu_people_phone_ext allows Ukrainians and their family members to apply overseas for the CUAET visa free of charge; allows anyone with a valid CUAET visa to travel to Canada before March 31, 2024; and those who are in Canada holding a CUAET visa will have until March 31, 2024 to extend or adjust their temporary status.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

March 21  <\/strong>
\nInternational Monetary Fund reaches an agreement with Ukraine
\nThe IMF and Ukrainian authorities have reached a staff-level agreement on a set of financial and macroeconomic policies through a 4 year Extended Fund Facility (EFF) Arrangement worth $15.6 billion. The fund will support economic recovery and stability in Ukraine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

NATO\u2019s Annual Report highlights defense spending concerns
\nThe Secretary General’s Annual Report shows that defense spending among some large EU powers such as Germany, Italy, and France are still under the 2% mark. Leaders such as Estonia’s Prime Minister Kaja Kallas, whose nation spent 2.12% of economic output on defense spending, has expressed her shock at the underspending of allies and cites the ongoing war in Ukraine as a reason to spend more on defense.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

March 20  <\/strong>
\nThe EU agrees to send additional ammunition to Ukraine
\nThe EU reached a deal to jointly purchase and donate ammunition for Ukraine, though the “legal texts [are] still being finalized.\u201d The \u20ac2 billion plan will include one million rounds of ammunition delivered across a 12 month period to help support counter-offences in Ukraine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

March 18  <\/strong>
\nCanada ships recovery vehicle to Ukraine
\nCanada has sent a Bergepanzer 3, an armored recovery vehicle, to Ukraine. Canadian Defense Minister Anita Anand wrote, “We\u2019re providing an armored recovery vehicle to help Ukraine sustain the heavy armour that we\u2019ve donated.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

March 17<\/strong>
\nThe ICC has issued arrest warrants for crimes in Ukraine
\nThe International Criminal Court’s Pre-Trial Chamber II has issued warrants of arrest for Russian President Vladimir Putin and Russian Commissioner for Children’s Rights Maria Lvova-Belova regarding their roles in the war in Ukraine, specifically in connection to the unlawful deportation of children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

March 16<\/strong>
\nPoland to set fighter jets to Ukraine
\nPoland will become the first NATO nation to supply fighter jets to Ukraine with the delivery of four Soviet-era MiG-29. President Andrzej Duda announced the delivery will take place “in the next few days.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

March 15<\/strong>
\nDenmark to allocate $1 billion fund for Ukraine
\nDenmark has announced that it will set up a $1 billion fund for Ukraine. The funds will be allocated for defense concerns such as equipment, training, and weapons. Additionally, civil, economic, and humanitarian aid will be provided through the fund by supporting business initiatives and reconstruction within Ukraine. Up to now, Denmark has contributed $721 million in military assistance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Canada announces additional equipment for Ukraine
\nThe Canadian Defense Ministry has announced the shipment of 8,000 rounds of artillery ammunition, 1,800 rounds of training ammunition for Leopard 1 tanks, and a dozen air defense missiles to Ukraine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

March 14<\/strong>
\nNetherlands to provide additional equipment
\nDutch Defense Minister announced during her visit to Ukraine that the Netherlands will provide drone radars, two minesweepers, and an M3 amphibious bridge-building system. Along with Belgium, the Netherlands will provide minesweeping training to a Ukrainian crew.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

March 13<\/strong>
\nBlack Sea Grain Initiative extended for 60 days
\nUnited Nations officials, Trade and Development chief Rebeca Grynspan and relief chief Martin Griffiths facilitated talks with a Russian delegation in Geneva concerning the cu_people_phone_ext of the Black Sea Grain Initiative. Despite the UN’s commitment to “do everything possible to preserve the integrity of the Black Sea Grain Initiative,” Russia only agreed to a 60-day cu_people_phone_ext of the Initiative which is half of the 120 days previously agreed upon.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

March 10<\/strong>
\nSanna Marin visits Ukraine
\nPrimes Minister of Finland, Sanna Marin, is in Ukraine to meet with President Zelenskyy. Before her meeting, Marin made a visit to wounded soldiers in a Kyiv Hospital who have been undergoing treatment. Defense and security were among the most important topics discussed by the leaders. Further strengthening of cooperation between the two countries and their allies, including on the topic of sanctions, was discussed. During the visit, two Memorandum of Understanding documents were signed between the governments of Ukraine and Finland.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Canada bans the import of Russian aluminum and steel
\nDeputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, Chrysia Freeland announced that Canada is banning the import of Russian aluminum and steel products. The ban will include all Russian aluminum products and all primary Russian steel products, including raw materials and finished products.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

March 9<\/strong>
\nUkraine cannot intercept Russian hypersonic missiles
\nRussia continues its attack against Ukraine by firing missiles, some of which are hypersonic missiles that Ukraine does not have the capabilities to intercept. At least six hypersonic missiles were launched today and power lines were affected at the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant as well as other parts of Ukraine, including Kyiv.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

March 8<\/strong>
\nU.N. Secretary-General visits Ukraine
\nThe United Nations Secretary-General, Ant\u00f3nio Guterres, has made a visit to Ukraine to express solidarity with the nation and those who have become victims of Russia’s invasion. Speaking to President Zelenskyy, Guterres stated that the U.N. \u201cwill continue to seek solutions and a just peace for the people of Ukraine, and the world.\u201d During his visit, Secretary-General Guterres highlighted the importance of the Black Sea Grain Initiative, which is due to expire in less than two weeks and called for an cu_people_phone_ext of the initiative.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Germany provides additional equipment
\nGermany has provided two additional Gepard self-propelled anti-aircraft guns to Ukraine. The German government has also reported the delivery of two additional border protection vehicles, and six mobile antenna systems. There are 13 bridge-laying tanks and 500 SFP9 pistols being prepared for shipment to Ukraine, as well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

March 7<\/strong>
\nthe President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen visits Canada
\nUrsula von der Leyen and Canada\u2019s Prime Minister Justin Trudeau pledged to deliver generators to Ukraine. President von der Leyen also addressed Canada’s parliament. She spoke on the topic of Russian aggression in Ukraine and emphasized that this threat against security in Europe will not be accepted. She urged for “steadfast military and economic support.” President von der Leyen took this time to highlight the resistance of women who have been victims of gender-based violence within the conflict.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Switzerland will not arm Ukraine
\nSwiss government opposed arms exports to Ukraine, citing the state’s legal framework as cause. President Alain Berset emphasized, “It’s not possible to make exception to the legal framework.” To date, no Swiss-made weaponry has been available for re-export to Ukraine, with nations such as Germany, Spain, and Denmark having explicit requests denied.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

March 5<\/strong>
\nOnus on Russia to end the war, says Chancellor Scholz
\nIn an interview with CNN which aired today, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz has said the onus for ending the ongoing war in Ukraine is on Russian President Vladimir Putin. Referencing the strength in unity which Ukrainians have demonstrated over the past year, Chancellor Scholz highlights the determination of Ukrainians and their allies to continue to support resistance efforts. Chancellor Scholz is quoted as saying, “To my view, it is necessary that Putin understands that he will not succeed with his invasion and his imperialistic aggression and that he has to withdraw troops. This is the basis for talks.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

March 4<\/strong>
\nPresident of European Parliament in Ukraine
\nThe president of the European Parliament, Roberta Metsola, met with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Lviv, Ukraine to discuss Ukraine\u2019s EU membership. Metsola is quoted as saying, “I am hopeful that succession negotiations can begin already this year.” Additionally, the conversation included further discussion on sanctions and supplies of weapons. Zelenskyy stated on Telegram that “Ukraine aims to complete the implementation of the recommendations of the European Commission as soon as possible and to start negotiations on joining the EU already this year.\u201d Metsola also laid wreaths in honor of victims of the Russian invasion and met with the speaker of the Ukrainian parliament, Ruslan Stefanchuk, who guided a tour of the city at night, and called for a special international tribunal to be established for the purpose of prosecuting crimes of aggression against Ukraine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

General Wayne Eyre visits Ukraine
\nCanada’s defence chief, General Wayne Eyre, has visited Ukraine for the first time since the Russian invasion. During the visit, General Eyre discussed possible avenues of support provided by Canada and the Canadian Armed Forces. Other than meeting with the Ukrainian military officials, General Eyre participated in the daily moment of silence for Ukrainian soldiers who lost their lives to the war and laid flowers at the Wall of Remembrance for the Fallen.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

March 3<\/strong>
\nUS announced additional aid
\nThe United States has announced additional $400 million in a new aid package for Ukraine. This new package of aid will include a wide range of equipment such as ammunition for High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems, armored vehicle-launched bridges, demolition munitions, equipment for obstacle training, and 155 mm, 105 mm, and 25 mm artillery rounds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

German Chancellor and President of the United States meet
\nGerman Chancellor Olaf Scholz met with President Joe Biden during his brief visit to the United States. For over an hour, the two leaders met in private in the Oval Office where they discussed the importance of global solidarity and the ongoing efforts of security, humanitarian, economic and political assistance for Ukraine. The two leaders also discussed how to respond in the case of China providing weapons to Russia.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

March 2<\/strong>
\nRussia denounces aid to Ukraine
\nAt the UN conference on disarmament, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov denounced aid provided by the United States and other allies to Ukraine. Ryabkov warned NATO and the US that their policies are “fueling the conflict in Ukraine,” and emphasized that this is the reason for Russian President Vladimir Putin’s decision to suspend the 2012 New START treaty (the only remaining nuclear pact with the US).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

US to host war planning exercises in Germany
\nThe United States has announced that it will host war planning exercises in Germany for Ukrainian military officials.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

March 1<\/strong>
\nHalf of Swiss population supports relaxing military neutrality
\nAccording to a poll published today, conducted in collaboration with the LeeWas Institute, 50% of the population of Switzerland favour relaxing the country’s military neutrality to allow for the transfer of arms to Ukraine. The poll also highlighted that voters of all political stripes favour allowing for arms transfers to take place, with the exception of those who favour the Swiss People’s Party, which also happens to be the country’s largest political party. To date, the country has refused to allow nations that hold Swiss-made weapons to re-export them to the frontlines in Ukraine. Though, there are several initiatives under parliamentary debate regarding the reduction of the re-export rules.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":"","_links_to":"","_links_to_target":""},"cu_description_type":[25],"class_list":["post-780","cu_description","type-cu_description","status-publish","hentry","cu_description_type-timeline"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/carleton.ca\/warinukraineobservatory\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/cu_description\/780","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/carleton.ca\/warinukraineobservatory\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/cu_description"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/carleton.ca\/warinukraineobservatory\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/cu_description"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/carleton.ca\/warinukraineobservatory\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/carleton.ca\/warinukraineobservatory\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/cu_description\/780\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/carleton.ca\/warinukraineobservatory\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=780"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"cu_description_type","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/carleton.ca\/warinukraineobservatory\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/cu_description_type?post=780"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}