2024-11-24 04:30:00
After the USA and Great Britain, France also signals Ukraine’s permission to use long-range weapons against targets on Russian territory. According to French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot, Kiev could also launch long-range missiles supplied by Paris against Russia “in the logic of self-defense”. However, in an interview published in advance by the British broadcaster BBC, the minister did not specify whether this had actually already happened. There was no talk of a formal or recently formulated permission, indeed Barrot reiterated France’s well-known position;
A spokesperson for the French Foreign Ministry said that President Emmanuel Macron had already stated in May, during his state visit to Germany, that Ukraine must be able to neutralize Russian military targets directly involved in operations against its territory. International law is clear: Ukraine has the right to defend itself.
This week, Ukraine reportedly fired US-made long-range ATACMS missiles and British Storm Shadow cruise missiles at military targets in Russia. France, in collaboration with Britain, began supplying Ukraine with Storm Shadow missiles in July 2023 – the French name for the same missiles is Scalp. Only Germany does not help Ukraine with long-range weapons: Chancellor Olaf Scholz categorically refuses the delivery of Taurus cruise missiles.
Russia speaks of a “death blow” for Ukraine
Moscow harshly criticized the French Foreign Minister’s statements. Authorizing the use of long-range missiles against Russia ”is not support for Ukraine, but rather a death blow for Ukraine,” Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria told state news agency Tass Zakharova.
Zelenskyj: Putin wants Kursk back before January 20th
According to his Ukrainian counterpart Volodymyr Zelenskyj, Kremlin head Vladimir Putin wants to reconquer the Ukrainian-occupied areas in the Kursk region by January 20, the day US President-elect Donald Trump takes office. “The most important thing for Putin is to drive us out of the Kursk region,” Zelensky said at the International Conference on Food Security “Grains from Ukraine” in Kiev. “I’m sure he wants to evict us by January 20th next year because it’s very important for him to show that he has control of a situation that he has no control over.”
In a surprise offensive in August, Ukrainian troops took control of parts of Russia’s western Kursk region. At the height of their advance, Ukrainian soldiers controlled approximately 1,400 square kilometers of
Zelenskiy predicts the war will end in 2025
Zelensky assumes there are ways to end the war next year. “When will the war end? If Russia wants the war to end. When America takes a stronger position. If the Global South is on the side of Ukraine and on the side of ending the war,” Zelensky said in an interview with representatives of foreign media in Kiev.
He is confident that all these measures will be implemented and decisions will be made sooner or later. “It will not be an easy path, but I am confident that we will have every chance to succeed next year,” Zelensky told the Ukrinform agency.
How will Trump behave?
“We are open to suggestions from the leaders of African, Asian and Arab states,” Zelensky continued. “I also want to hear the proposals of the new president of the United States of America and I think we will hear them in January and we will have a plan to end this war.”
US President-elect Donald Trump repeatedly indicated during his election campaign that he wanted to reduce massive US military support for Kiev. Nothing has been heard recently about his earlier statement that he could end the war within 24 hours.
Russia has been waging a war of aggression against neighboring Ukraine for over two and a half years. Recently, Moscow has expressed no intention of giving in to quickly ending the war.
Advisor Zelenskyj: Putin is “absolutely scared”
Mykhailo Podolyak, a member of the Ukrainian president’s advisory staff, sees Kremlin leader Putin’s latest threats as an expression of “absolute fear.” He told the newspaper “Bild am Sonntag” that the Russian president is trying to scare the West with his threats. “Putin wants to end the war on his own terms only so he won’t be held responsible for war crimes.” Podolyak called on the West to take a tougher stance on Russia. “You can’t negotiate with Putin. It needs to be addressed clearly and consistently.”
“Putin sees every call as a humiliation and a confirmation of his supremacy.” After the conversation, Russia responded with missile attacks against Ukraine, which confirms his assessment.
How could the involvement of emerging powers from the Global South influence the resolution of the Ukraine conflict?
Interview Between Time.news Editor and Military Expert Dr. Alexei Petrova
Time.news Editor: Good day, Dr. Petrova! Thank you for joining us today. With recent developments, France has signaled an endorsement of Ukraine’s use of long-range weapons against Russian targets. What does this mean for the trajectory of the conflict?
Dr. Alexei Petrova: Thank you for having me. This endorsement, especially from a significant player like France, marks a pivotal moment in the Ukraine conflict. It empowers Ukraine not just to defend its territory but to actively strike against military targets within Russia, a strategy that could alter the dynamics of the war dramatically.
Time.news Editor: French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot mentioned Ukraine’s right to “self-defense.” How does international law frame this situation, especially given the accusations labeling this as an escalation?
Dr. Alexei Petrova: International law certainly supports a nation’s right to defend itself against aggression. France’s stance reinforces Ukraine’s legal position to target military installations that threaten its sovereignty. However, the perception of escalation arises due to the potential for significant retaliation from Russia, which could lead to broader conflict.
Time.news Editor: Speaking of retaliation, Russia has indicated that this authorization is a “death blow” for Ukraine. How do you interpret these warnings coming from Moscow?
Dr. Alexei Petrova: These statements from the Russian government are not surprising. They aim to instill fear and rally domestic support by portraying the conflict as existential. Russia seeks to delegitimize Ukraine’s actions and paint Western support as a provocation that justifies a harsher response. Such rhetoric may escalate tensions further.
Time.news Editor: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has remarked on the urgency of retaining control in the Kursk region before the new U.S. administration takes office. What significance does this have for both Ukraine and Russia?
Dr. Alexei Petrova: The Kursk region is strategically important, not only as a territorial gain but also for morale and narrative control. If Ukraine can maintain or expand its gains there, it sends a message of resilience and capability. Conversely, for Russia, regaining this territory before January 20 would be crucial to project strength, especially amidst a shifting landscape in U.S. foreign policy under President Trump’s administration.
Time.news Editor: Zelensky also expressed optimism about the war ending in 2025, contingent on various international factors. Do you think these conditions could realistically lead to a resolution?
Dr. Alexei Petrova: Ending a war is complex, and while Zelensky’s optimism may reflect a strategic outlook, it’s tied to many variables—Russia’s willingness to engage diplomatically, the alignment of the Global South, and significantly, U.S. policy direction under the new president. If the United States aligns its approach to be more supportive of Ukraine, we could see a shift in dynamics that might facilitate a more favorable situation for peace talks.
Time.news Editor: There’s a lot at stake, indeed. With the geopolitical landscape evolving, what role do you think emerging powers from the Global South can play in mediating this conflict?
Dr. Alexei Petrova: The Global South has influence that shouldn’t be underestimated. Countries in Africa, Asia, and Latin America seeking to position themselves as neutral parties could mediate discussions and offer platforms for dialog. Their involvement might provide fresh perspectives on resolution and stability that the traditional Western powers haven’t fully explored.
Time.news Editor: It seems cooperation and dialog will be crucial moving forward. Thank you, Dr. Petrova, for your insights. It’s clear the situation is fluid, and we’ll continue to monitor these developments closely.
Dr. Alexei Petrova: Thank you for having me. This conflict continues to evolve, and I look forward to seeing how international dynamics play out in the months to come.