Russia's Economic Warfare on Ukraine: A Violation of International Norms

Poland's Foreign Minister has condemned Russia's economic tactics against Ukraine, labeling them as "forbidden" and a violation of international law. Meanwhile, France and the EU have appealed to China to intervene and use its influence to end the conflict.

Poland's Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski has strongly denounced Russia's economic warfare against Ukraine, calling it a violation of international norms and a prohibited tactic. Speaking on the third Easter of the ongoing conflict, Sikorski asserted that Russia's actions are "forbidden tactics" that have no place in modern warfare.

Sikorski's condemnation comes as Russia continues to wage a multi-pronged attack against Ukraine, targeting not only its military but also its economy. Russia has imposed economic sanctions on Ukraine, disrupted its trade, and severely damaged its infrastructure, causing widespread economic hardship for the Ukrainian people.

France and the European Commission have jointly appealed to Chinese President Xi Jinping to use his influence on Russia to end the war in Ukraine. During a meeting in Paris, President Emmanuel Macron and Commission President Ursula von der Leyen emphasized that the EU remains steadfast in its support for Ukraine.

They stressed that China, as a major power with close ties to both Russia and Ukraine, has a responsibility to contribute to international efforts to resolve the conflict. Von der Leyen urged China to use its "all influence on Russia" to end the aggression and avoid further escalation.

China's role in the conflict has been a subject of intense speculation. While China has maintained a neutral stance, it has also strengthened its economic and military ties with Russia. This has raised concerns among Western powers that Beijing could provide weapons to Moscow or circumvent sanctions imposed on Russia.

Despite China's assurances that it has no intention of supplying weapons to Russia, Western powers remain vigilant. The EU is considering possible sanctions against Chinese firms that may be providing dual-use materials that could be diverted to Russia's military.

Russian President Vladimir Putin is expected to visit China later in May, marking his first overseas trip since the start of his new presidential term. This visit will be closely watched by international observers, as it could signal China's willingness to provide further support to Russia.

However, diplomatic sources suggest that Xi has been clear in his stance that Beijing does not intend to supply weapons to Moscow. Western powers will now monitor whether China's commitments translate into actions.

Fighting on Ukraine's eastern front has intensified in recent weeks, with Ukrainian troops awaiting crucial military aid from the US and Europe to counter the Russian advance. Western powers are determined to continue backing Ukraine despite its current difficulties, believing that the conflict is likely to continue for some time.

The upcoming NATO summit is expected to provide further coordination and support for Ukraine's defense efforts. The alliance has been a major provider of military aid to Ukraine, and it is expected to continue its commitment to supporting the country's fight against Russian aggression.