Ukraine's president receives more military aid in Paris
We're tackling the latest portion of the $61 billion US aid package that Congress approved in April after a lengthy hold-up. Biden issued an apology to Zelensky for the dragging delays. "Sorry for the period of uncertainty," said Biden. "A few of our particularly conservative senators have been causing the holdup," he explained. "The United States remains committed to your side," he promised the Ukrainians.
Prior to this, KNDS, a German-French tank manufacturer, disclosed intentions to build a factory in Ukraine for weapon and ammunition manufacturing. CEO Philippe Petitcollin signed the related deal with Zelensky. The details concerning the investment sum and nature of production remained undisclosed initially.
These plans had been previously floated in March when German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius (SPD) and French counterpart Sébastien Lecornu convened. The French Defense Ministry later confirmed that 155mm shells would be produced under a license in Ukraine. The plans further encompassed a center for Caesar howitzer upkeep and a wing with 3D printers for fabricating spare parts.
Before that, Zelensky visited Normandy to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the Allied landing. He used the occasion to request ongoing support for his nation.
The day before, Zelensky cautioned the French National Assembly about the potential escalation of the Russian strike war. "Putin is replicating Hitler's conduct from the '30s, crossing border after border," Zelensky cautioned the deputies, making eye contact with Kremlin chief Vladimir Putin.
"Aggression is already emerging in the Baltic States, Poland, and the Balkans," Zelensky said. The Russian leadership is "seeking a method to destabilize Europe," he added. Putin is utilizing "the arsenal of the previous century," including blockades and mass abductions of children for re-education.
Zelensky reiterated the need for assistance for his country. "What's necessary is: not to be alone," he claimed. "Efficient, ample, and prolonged support" is the solution, he contended.
The day prior, Macron declared his intention to dispatch an undefined number of Mirage 2000-5 fighter jets to Ukraine and train Ukrainian pilots in France by year's end.
Additionally, Macron confirmed his openness to deliver French military trainers to Ukraine. "The Ukrainians have requested it, and it doesn't entail escalation because they won't be used in combat," Macron said in a TV interview. A discussion with partners should take place, according to him.
On the other hand, Moscow reacted swiftly and harshly. "Macron is unabashedly exhibiting his unrestricted support for the Kiev regime and signalling his willingness for direct military engagement in the conflict," said Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov to Russian news agencies on Friday, during the international economic forum in St. Petersburg. Macron's statements were "highly inflationary."
Zelensky remains hopeful about the impending peace conference at the conclusion of the coming week in Switzerland, where Macron, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz (SPD) and US Vice President Kamala Harris will take part. This might potentially "bring a just conclusion to the war," Zelensky stressed. He'll be welcomed at the Elysee Palace by Macron in the evening.
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- Emmanuel Macron announced his plan to send an unspecified number of Mirage 2000-5 fighter jets to Ukraine and train Ukrainian pilots by the end of the year, as part of the ongoing military aid commitments.
- Boris Pistorius (SPD), German Defense Minister, and Sébastien Lecornu, French Defense Minister, discussed the potential for German-French tank manufacturer KNDS to establish a factory in Ukraine for weapon and ammunition manufacturing, during their meeting in March.
- The United States, under President Joe Biden, has issued an apology to Volodymyr Selensky, Ukrainian President, for the delays in sending an aid package worth $61 billion, which was approved by US Congress in April.
- French Defense Ministry confirmed that 155mm shells would be produced under a license in Ukraine, as part of the plans floated by Boris Pistorius and Sébastien Lecornu to establish a factory for weapon production.
- The Kremlin, led by Vladimir Putin, has criticized French President Emmanuel Macron for his support of Ukraine, calling his statements "highly inflationary" and accusing him of showing "unrestricted support" for the Ukrainian regime.
- Volodymyr Selensky visited Normandy to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the Allied landing, using the occasion to request ongoing support for his nation and emphasize the need for unity in the face of potential aggression.
- Selensky warned the French National Assembly about the potential escalation of the Russian strike war, comparing Putin's actions to those of Hitler in the 1930s and expressing concern about the Russian leadership's intent to destabilize Europe.
- Following the US apology for delays in aid delivery, Selensky welcomed the arrival of an aid package from France and announced plans for further cooperation with German-French tank manufacturer KNDS to establish a factory for weapon production in Ukraine.
- With the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, Selensky expressed his hope for a peaceful resolution at the upcoming peace conference in Switzerland, attended by US Vice President Kamala Harris, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, and French President Emmanuel Macron.
- Selensky and Macron held a meeting at the Elysee Palace in Paris, where they discussed ongoing military aid commitments, further cooperation between France and Ukraine, and the potential for French military trainers to support Ukrainian forces.
