Before launching a counter-offensive intended to retake as many territories occupied by Russia as possible, the Ukrainian President, Volodymyr Zelensky, made sure of the support of his European allies. This is the meaning of the mini-tour carried out this weekend in Italy, Germany, then France, where he arrived on Sunday evening May 14, on board a French government plane from Aix-la-Chapelle ; he had just received a prestigious German award – the Charlemagne Prize – for his contribution to European unity.
In fact, Ukraine has been knocking insistently, since the start of the war, at the door of the Twenty-Seven, and its president is required to look after his relations with the three main Member States of the European Union (EU), including military support initially seemed timid, compared to that of the United States or Poland, before strengthening over the course of the Russian invasion.
At each of the stages of the Ukrainian President’s trip, both sides have redoubled their enthusiasm to demonstrate their commitment to his country, nearly fifteen months after the start of the conflict, not without giving up, when the arms will fall silent, in the prospect of a negotiated outcome to the conflict that is shaking the continent.
Welcomed by Prime Minister Elisabeth Borne, at Villacoublay airport (Yvelines), Volodymyr Zelensky spoke with Emmanuel Macron during a dinner of more than three hours at the Elysée Palace on Sunday evening – including an hour at the head -headed. The two men examined “urgent needs” of Ukraine, both military and humanitarian. And this while the situation is difficult on the front, in particular in Bakhmout.
The French head of state should take advantage, on Monday, of his intervention in the 8 p.m. newspaper of TF1 to announce additional deliveries of military equipment. France is once again ready to provide “dozens of armored vehicles and light tanks, including AMX-10RC”according to the joint declaration published Sunday after the dinner, in order to equip “several battalions” Ukrainians.
Diplomatic consultation
The idea is also to help strengthen Ukraine’s anti-aircraft defence. And to ensure the maintenance of the Caesar guns already transferred. Emphasis is also placed on the training of Ukrainian soldiers in France (2,000 this year), or in Poland with the contribution of French soldiers (some 4,000). On the other hand, the question of fighter planes, demanded by Mr. Zelensky from his Western allies, “is a bit premature”they say at the Elysée, in particular for reasons related to the training of pilots.
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