France’s support for Ukraine “will not weaken,” Emmanuel Macron assured on X on Tuesday, welcoming “the courageous resistance to an illegal and unjustifiable war of aggression” on the thousandth day of the Russian invasion.
“Russia has been carrying out its imperialist and brutal plan for a thousand days, targeting civilian populations and violating the fundamental principles of the United Nations Charter. A thousand days in which we will be resolutely at the side of Ukraine and its people, to guarantee the triumph of freedom, peace and justice,” writes the French president. “Our support will not weaken,” he assures.
For a thousand days, Ukraine has courageously resisted an illegal and unjustifiable war of aggression.
For a thousand days, Russia has been carrying out its brutal and imperialist program, targeting civilian populations and violating the fundamental principles of the United Nations Charter.…
— Emmanuel Macron (@EmmanuelMacron) November 19, 2024
Kiev, for its part, said Tuesday that it would “never” submit, despite profound difficulties on the battlefield and uncertainty hanging over the sustainability of American support.
“Ukraine will never submit to the occupiers and the Russian army will be punished for violating international law,” Ukrainian diplomacy underlined in a press release, judging that security cannot be restored “without the restoration of integrity territorial and sovereignty of Ukraine.
In its statement, the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry also notes that Russia, in nearly three years of war, has deepened a military alliance with North Korea and Iran that poses a growing threat to global security and stability.
“The military operation will continue”
“The growing interaction of these three regimes demonstrates that Russian aggression against Ukraine is a global threat that destabilizes Europe, Southeast Asia and the Middle East. It requires a global response,” he says.
“We need peace by force and not by appeasement,” the ministry insists, referring to the “policy of appeasement,” a term that refers to British attempts to avoid war with Nazi Germany by ultimately doing so in vain. concessions to Adolf Hitler.
Ukraine has been retreating for several months across multiple sectors of the front in the face of a better-armed and larger Russian army, and its territorial losses have mounted since early autumn.
At the same time, Donald Trump’s return to the US presidency in January 2025 makes Ukraine fear that he will try to force it to accept territorial concessions, offering a military, political and diplomatic victory to Russia, fueling Vladimir Putin’s geopolitical ambitions .
The Kremlin for its part assured on Tuesday that its army will defeat Kiev’s forces, in difficulty in several sectors of the front in the face of Russian troops who have been advancing for several months.
“The military operation will continue” until “the set objectives are achieved”, declared the spokesperson of the Russian presidency, Dmitry Peskov, referring to Moscow’s requests: the Ukrainian surrender, the cession of the territories now occupied or even the promise that Kiev it will be not to join NATO. Western military aid to Kiev “cannot have any effect on the outcome of the operation. This continues and will be completed,” he added.
What are the implications of France’s support for Ukraine in the context of European security?
Title: A Thousand Days of Resistance: An Interview with Dr. Elena Markova, Expert in International Relations
Interviewer (Time.news Editor): Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Markova. France’s President Emmanuel Macron made a powerful statement on the thousandth day of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, emphasizing his country’s unwavering support. Could you explain the significance of this milestone in the context of international politics?
Dr. Elena Markova: Thank you for having me. The thousandth day marks not only a significant period of conflict but also a testimony to Ukraine’s resilience and the support of the global community. Macron’s assurance indicates a strong commitment from France as a leading European power. This reflects France’s broader strategy to counter Russian aggression and maintain solidarity with Ukraine, which is crucial for European stability and security.
Interviewer: Macron specifically called out Russia’s “imperialist and brutal plan.” How do you see the impact of such rhetoric on the international stage?
Dr. Markova: Rhetoric like Macron’s serves to galvanize support for Ukraine while isolating Russia diplomatically. By labeling Russia’s actions as imperialist, he underscores a moral and ethical standpoint, encouraging other nations to rally against what they perceive as aggression. This can lead to increased military and humanitarian aid for Ukraine and intensify diplomatic pressure on Russia. It also reinforces the UN’s fundamental principles that Russia has been seen to violate.
Interviewer: In his message, Macron emphasized that France’s support “will not weaken.” How crucial is sustained support from major nations like France for Ukraine’s defense?
Dr. Markova: Sustained support is absolutely vital. The longer this conflict endures, the more Ukraine needs consistent military, financial, and humanitarian aid to sustain its defense capabilities. Moreover, public statements of support from prominent leaders can boost Ukrainian morale and bolster the resolve of its military. France’s commitment may also encourage other nations to step up their support, creating a united front against aggression.
Interviewer: The article mentions Ukraine’s determination never to submit and their statement regarding the necessity of restoring territorial integrity. What does this reflect about Ukraine’s broader strategy moving forward?
Dr. Markova: Ukraine’s declaration reflects a firm commitment to sovereignty and territorial integrity, which are central to their national identity. This determination is not just about military engagement but also a declaration of their right to exist as an independent nation. Their insistence on punishment for the occupiers suggests that they are looking beyond immediate military objectives, aiming for a legal and diplomatic path towards justice and accountability for war crimes.
Interviewer: The article also highlights Ukraine’s concerns over Russia’s alliances with North Korea and Iran. How significant are these alliances in the context of this conflict?
Dr. Markova: These alliances present a serious concern. They indicate that Russia is not operating in isolation; instead, it is forming connections that can bolster its military capabilities and strategic positioning. Such partnerships may lead to increased threats not just to Ukraine but also globally, as we’ve seen with North Korea’s nuclear ambitions and Iran’s military infrastructure. This cooperation necessitates a coordinated international response to ensure global security and combat the destabilizing effects of these alliances.
Interviewer: The Ukrainian Foreign Ministry emphasized the need for “peace by force and not by appeasement.” How do you interpret this statement in historical context?
Dr. Markova: This reference to appeasement harks back to the failures of the past, particularly the prelude to World War II. Ukraine is advocating for a proactive stance instead of a passive one, which could further embolden aggressors. It signals a shift in international relations thinking, where past concessions to authoritarian regimes are viewed as ineffective. Their call for a robust, forceful response suggests a broader recognition that some situations require direct confrontation rather than negotiation to bring about lasting peace.
Interviewer: Thank you, Dr. Markova, for sharing your insights. As we reflect on this significant milestone in the conflict, it’s clear that the coming days will be crucial not only for Ukraine but for global security as well.
Dr. Markova: Thank you for having me. It’s imperative that we keep these discussions alive and work towards a resolution that upholds freedom and justice for all.