Russian aggression - Conflict in Ukraine: A Current Overview
Volodymyr Zelenskyy, the President of Ukraine, is all set to make an official two-day visit to France tomorrow. French President Emmanuel Macron will welcome him at the Elysee Palace on Friday, as indicated by the Elysee Palace.
Zelenskyy and Macron plan to talk about Ukraine's defense against the Russian invasion and the required needs of the country. In his nighttime address, Zelenskyy once again stressed the significance of enhancing his country's defense capabilities by collaborating with international partners.
It was previously known that Zelenskyy would attend the commemorations in Normandy the following day for the 80th anniversary of the Allied landing in World War II. Macron had previously mentioned his intention to express his opinion on the possibility of sending French military trainers to Ukraine during this time. However, no such programs exist until now. The visit from the Ukrainian president marks the fourth time since the Russian attack occurred around two years ago, showing Macron's unwavering dedication, according to the Elysee Palace.
Zelenskyy will also come across Biden's supporter
U.S. President Joe Biden is ready to meet with Zelenskyy on the sidelines of the commemorations in France. Biden wishes to discuss with him how the U.S. government can strengthen its support for Ukraine further. Jake Sullivan, the U.S. security adviser, stated this on board the Air Force One airplane on the flight to Paris. A personal meeting between Biden and Zelenskyy is also scheduled during the upcoming G7 summit in Italy next week.
Concerning whether Ukraine has already deployed American weapons against Russian military targets, Sullivan refused to speak on behalf of the Ukrainian military. The U.S. government gave Ukraine permission last week to utilize American weapons against targets in Russia. The German government followed this decision concerning weapons provided by Germany. Sullivan reiterated that the U.S. government has no plans to deploy its military advisors or trainers in Ukraine to train its soldiers there.
Ukraine increases the status of the English language
The Ukrainian parliament is making the English language more prominent with a new law. From now on, proficiency in English will be a necessity for many Ukrainian civil servants, as the Kiev parliament decided. Boosting the English language in Ukraine is "a must and a strategic step towards our state's full membership in the European Union," they added justifying the law.
Ukraine's power plant capacity destroyed by Russia
Since the Russian invasion in 2022, Ukraine has lost over nine gigawatts of power plant capacity due to rocket and drone attacks, according to government figures. "The situation is very serious," stated Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal during a government meeting. Due to the energy shortage, the power grid operator Ukrenerho is forced to implement intentionally scheduled blackouts.
Russian President Vladimir Putin meets Western media for the first time since the start of the war against Ukraine at the international economic forum in St. Petersburg to respond to questions. However, this international media event did not happen in 2022 and 2023.
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- During Zelenskyy's visit to the Élysée Palace, discussions around Ukraine's defense against Russian aggression and necessary aid are expected.
- After his meeting at the Élysée Palace, Zelenskyy will attend a commemoration in Normandy for the 80th anniversary of World War II's Allied landing.
- Emmanuel Macron had previously suggested sending French military trainers to Ukraine during the Normandy commemorations, but no such programs have been implemented yet.
- In preparation for the Normandy event, Joe Biden is scheduled to meet with Zelenskyy to discuss strengthening US support for Ukraine.
- Jake Sullivan, US security adviser, confirmed Biden's intention to meet Zelenskyy at the upcoming G7 summit in Italy.
- Regarding US weapons deployment against Russian military targets, Sullivan remained neutral, while US permission to use such weapons was granted last week.
- The Ukrainian parliament recently passed a law necessitating English language proficiency for many civil servants, advancing Ukraine's EU membership aspirations.
- Since the 2022 Russian invasion, Ukraine has lost over nine gigawatts of power plant capacity due to attacks on energy infrastructure.
- Vladimir Putin, Russian President, has not met with Western media since the start of Russia's war against Ukraine, deviating from previous years' international media engagements at the St. Petersburg economic forum.
