Russian incursion - Ukraine Conflict: A Current Overview
The Ukrainian president, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, received assurances of continued support from both France and the United States during his recent visit to these countries. In Paris, President Emmanuel Macron promised the delivery of Mirage fighter jets to Ukraine, along with discussions about sending military trainers.
Zelenskyy also met with US President Joe Biden, who expressed regret over the delay in US aid to Ukraine during the winter. In response, Biden announced a new $225 million military aid package for Kiev and reaffirmed his commitment to not abandoning Ukraine amidst the ongoing conflict with Russia.
These meetings took place shortly after the commemoration of the 80th anniversary of the Allied landing in Normandy, which was attended by all three presidents. This upcoming event, along with the G7 summit in Italy and the NATO summit in Washington, will provide opportunities for further discussions on supporting Ukraine.
Training of Ukrainian pilots and mechanics on Mirage jets will begin quickly in France. The exact number of Mirage jets that France and other countries will provide has not yet been made public, nor have final discussions taken place with partner countries.
These combat aircraft are mainly used for air defense and can also be equipped with French-British missiles, which have already been sent to Ukraine. Other countries, such as the US, will furnish Ukraine with F-16 aircraft.
Talks are likewise ongoing about deploying military trainers to Ukraine. France aims to form a coalition to efficiently train Ukrainian personnel on their own soil. Despite not wanting to escalate the situation, Macron insists that sending military instructors to train Ukrainian soldiers is necessary to help them resist.
However, the US government holds a different view on this issue and will not participate in the initiative. National Security Council Communications Director John Kirby mentioned that Biden has always been against sending American soldiers to Ukraine. As a result, the controversy of sending military instructors is expected to be a topic during Biden's visit to Paris for a state visit.
Biden referred to Ukraine as a "bulwark against Russian aggression" during his meeting with Zelenskyy. America's responsibility to support Ukraine was emphasized by the American president. Since the start of the war in Ukraine, the US has provided $51 billion worth of military aid.
In contrast, Russian President Vladimir Putin maintained confidence in achieving Russia's goals in Ukraine by means of gradual advancement. To him, a faster advance could put Russian lives at risk. Moscow has previously attempted to deter Western states from supporting Ukraine by referring to its nuclear arsenal and made the threat of arming Ukraine's opponents if the West supplies weapons to Ukraine.
The Russian-occupied southern region of Kherson allegedly experienced a devastating shelling from Ukrainian forces, as per reports from the Russian occupation authorities. The head of the Russian-appointed government in Kherson, Vladimir Saldo, claimed that 22 people were killed when a grocery store was hit. However, there are no independent confirmations of this incident. If true, it would be one of the most severe attacks by the Ukrainian military on territory under Russian control.
Another attack occurred in the Russian-controlled city of Luhansk, where four people were killed and approximately 40 were injured after a house was struck. Ukrainian authorities admit an attack took place, but claim it targeted military targets. The potential civilian casualties could be attributed to the use of Russian air defense systems.
