Russian President Vladimir Putin stated on March 15, 2024, that his country is not observing any willingness from Ukraine to engage in peace negotiations. He blamed Ukraine for the ongoing conflict, which escalated nearly four years ago when he ordered a full-scale invasion. Putin expressed that he remains open to discussions about concluding what he refers to as a “special military operation,” but only under conditions that Ukraine has consistently rejected. These terms include a formal surrender of occupied territories and a degree of national demilitarization.
During a live news conference, Putin claimed that Russian forces had “fully seized strategic initiative” in the conflict. He asserted that military advancements would continue along the approximately 600-mile front line in eastern Ukraine before the year concludes. “Our troops are advancing all across the line of contact,” he remarked, emphasizing that Ukrainian forces are retreating in all sectors.
As Putin spoke, Ukraine announced a significant new military operation, claiming responsibility for a drone strike on an oil tanker associated with Russia’s sanctions-evading “shadow fleet” in the Mediterranean Sea. The operation, described by Ukraine’s SBU (Security Service of Ukraine), purportedly marked the first instance of targeting such a vessel over 2,000 kilometers (1,200 miles) from Ukrainian territory. The SBU reported that the Oman-flagged oil tanker Qendil, which was empty at the time of the attack, was disabled using aerial drones, thus mitigating any ecological risks in the region.
A source from the SBU explained, “Russia used this tanker to circumvent sanctions and earn money that went to the war against Ukraine. Therefore, from the point of view of international law and the laws and customs of war, this is an absolutely legitimate target for the SBU.” A video shared by the agency showed explosions on the deck of the tanker, reinforcing their claims.
Ukraine has frequently targeted Russian fuel tankers and infrastructure to undermine Moscow’s war funding, but the latest strike represents a more assertive expansion of its military campaign. Earlier this month, Ukraine acknowledged attacks on vessels beyond Russia’s territorial waters, including initial strikes targeting tankers near Turkey and West Africa.
In the economic realm, the European Union recently announced a support package for Ukraine exceeding $100 billion. However, the bloc faced challenges in agreeing on financing mechanisms, particularly regarding the use of frozen Russian assets. After prolonged discussions, EU leaders opted for an interest-free loan to support Ukraine’s military and economic needs over the next two years.
Despite some resistance, particularly from Belgium, the EU is looking to leverage Russia’s immobilized assets for future support. In response, Putin warned of severe consequences for any European nations that pursue accessing the frozen funds, characterizing such actions as “daylight robbery.” He cautioned that the repercussions for those involved could be grave.
Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever characterized the agreement reached among EU leaders as a necessary step, stating that failure to secure a deal would have been a disservice not only to Ukraine but to Europe itself. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz also expressed optimism regarding the financial support, noting that the funds would sufficiently cover Ukraine’s immediate military and budgetary needs.
Ukrainian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergiy Kyslytsya acknowledged the assistance but reiterated that accessing Russian assets should remain a priority in supporting Ukraine’s defense efforts. “Indeed, there are moments when one should keep in mind that ‘Perfect is the enemy of good,'” he remarked, indicating the complex negotiations that unfolded among European leaders.
As tensions continue to escalate, the ramifications of both military actions and economic support are likely to shape the ongoing conflict and diplomatic relations in the region.
