RESPECT FOR SOVEREIGNTY, INDEPENDENCE OF UKRAINE

KUWAIT CITY, March 24, (Agencies): Foreign Minister Sheikh Dr. Ahmad Nasser Al-Mohammad Al-Sabah and Ukrainian counterpart Dmytro Kuleba discussed via phone Thursday the latest developments connected with the crisis in the Ukraine. During the conversation, Sheikh Dr. Ahmad Al-Nasser reiterated the State of Kuwait’s stance on the crisis, which called for respecting the sovereignty, independence, and unity of lands for all countries in accordance with international law and the UN Charter. He stressed the importance of international efforts aimed at reaching a ceasefire and de-escalation to provide grounds for a peaceful solution.

On his part, Minister Kuleba lauded Kuwait’s stance with the Ukrainian people especially within the humanitarian level, commending the Gulf country for supporting international efforts to lessen the humanitarian impact of this conflict. Sheikh Dr. Ahmad Nasser also met with the ambassadors of European Union (EU) countries and different regional groups in Kuwait on Thursday, focusing on the Ukrainian crisis.

During the meeting, the Kuwaiti foreign minister reaffirmed Kuwait’s stance on the Ukrainian crisis, calling for compliance with the principles of international law and the UN Charter and underlining the principles of states’ sovereignty, independence, unity and territorial integrity according to their internationally recognized borders. He also stressed the significance of backing international efforts for a ceasefire, de-escalation and a peaceful solution to the crisis in line with the principle of resolution of disputes and disagreements by peaceful means through dialogue in accordance with international law and the UN Charter.

The Kuwaiti Foreign Minister met with Russian Ambassador to Kuwait Nikolay Makaro on the Ukrainian crisis also on Thursday. During the meeting, the Kuwaiti foreign minister reaffirmed Kuwait’s stance on the Ukrainian crisis, calling for compliance with the principles of international law and the UN Charter and underlining the principle of states’ sovereignty, independence, unity and territorial integrity according to their internationally recognized borders. He also stressed the significance of backing international efforts for a ceasefire, de-escalation and a peaceful solution to the crisis in line with the principle of resolution of disputes and disagreements by peaceful means through dialogue in accordance with international law and the UN Charter.

Plea for more arms
World leaders heard impassioned pleas Thursday from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy for more military aid to defend his country and the United States announced new sanctions and humanitarian aid as officials gathered for a trio of summits to discuss next steps in countering Russia’s month-old invasion of its much smaller neighbor. The extraordinary series of summits - hosted by NATO, the Group of Seven industrialized nations and the European Union - reflected alarm that the conflict shows no sign of ending soon and could even spread beyond Ukraine’s borders.

As Europe faces its greatest crisis in generations, Western leaders continue the search for ways to increase pressure on Russian President Vladimir Putin while avoiding steps that could lead to a wider war on the continent. Zelenskyy, addressing the NATO gathering by video from Kyiv, called for “military assistance without limitations” as Russia is “without limits using its entire arsenal.” He specifically asked for anti-air and anti-ship weapons. And although Zelenskyy thanked Western nations for support they already have provided, his frustration was clear. He urged NATO to provide Ukraine with “1% of all your planes, 1% of all your tanks.” “We can’t just buy those,” Zelenskyy said. “When we will have all this, it will give us, just like you, 100% security.”

Tougher on Russia
As President Joe Biden meets with key allies in Brussels to coordinate a stronger response to Russia’s monthlong assault on Ukraine, a new poll shows Americans have yet to rally around his leadership. Concern about Russia has swelled and support for a major U.S. role in the conflict strengthened in the last month, but Biden’s negative approval rating has not budged, according to the poll Thursday from The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research. Few are very confident that he can handle a crisis, and a majority thinks he lacks toughness in dealing with Russia. Only 43% of Americans approve of Biden and a similar percentage approve of his handling of the relationship with Russia. Both measures are little different from an AP-NORC poll conducted days before the Feb. 24 invasion.

Activities suspended
French carmaker Renault announced Wednesday night it is suspending “activities at the Renault Moscow plant” with immediate effect. The move came hours after Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy spoke virtually to the French parliament, calling on Renault and other French companies with a Russian presence to stop indirectly supporting the war against Ukraine. The Renault Group board of directors met Wednesday to decided to halt production at the plant that produces Arkana, Kaptur, Duster and Nissan Terrano SUVs amid mounting criticism of its foothold in the Russian Federation.

Putin crossed line
NATO leaders are refusing to rule out retaliation against Russia should it launch a chemical weapons attack on Ukraine - but British Prime Minister Boris Johnson thinks Moscow has already gone too far. “The reality is that (President) Vladimir Putin has already crossed the red line into barbarism,” Johnson told reporters Thursday as he arrived for summit of NATO leaders.