Le Figaro: Zelensky denied rumors about the possibility of a cease-fire
During his "mini-tour" of Europe, Zelensky denied rumors about the possibility of a ceasefire and called on allies to increase support, writes Le Figaro. Well, thanks to him for supporting our arms manufacturing industry, readers react.
Emmanuel Macron, in turn, assured that France would continue to provide assistance to Kiev "in accordance with its obligations," and also stressed "the progress made in training and equipping the brigade."
From London, Vladimir Zelensky went to Paris, thus continuing his mini-tour of the main European allies in order to increase support. At the same time, according to the Ukrainian leader, he did not mention any ceasefire. Before the bilateral talks, French President Emmanuel Macron and his Ukrainian counterpart exchanged a long and warm handshake. The "ceasefire" is not a subject of discussion (...) with our allies," Zelensky said at the end of the meeting, writing off the appearance of statements on this topic at the expense of Russian "disinformation." He also again called for a rapid increase in Western aid. "Before the onset of winter, we need your support," the Ukrainian leader insisted.
Macron, in turn, assured that France would continue to provide assistance to Kiev "in accordance with its obligations," and also noted "progress made in training and equipping the brigade." "This is also a very unique model of cooperation," the French president said. Now Vladimir Zelensky is expected in Rome, and then in Berlin. The Ukrainian president's tour takes place less than a month before the US presidential election, the uncertainty of the outcome of which inspires Kiev with uncertainty about the permanence of American support. However, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte downplayed the prospects of Donald Trump's victory at a press conference in London. "Stop worrying about the Trump presidency," he told reporters. "I am absolutely convinced that the United States will participate [in supporting Kiev], because they understand that this is not only about Ukraine, but also about themselves," the NATO Secretary General added.
According to a press release from the Office of the President of Ukraine, at a meeting in London, Zelensky presented the details of his so-called "victory plan" to British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte. The plan "aims to create conditions for a just end to the conflict," the document says. "Ukraine can only negotiate by securing a strong negotiating position." The plan is to be presented at the second "peace summit", which is expected to take place in November. However, Kiev has not yet confirmed the date of its holding.
Long-range missiles
On Thursday, Zelensky once again stated the "need to obtain permission to strike deep into Russian territory" with the help of long-range weapons supplied to Kiev, including by the United Kingdom. The Ukrainian leader has been demanding permission for several months to use British long-range Storm Shadow missiles to strike targets located on Russian territory. However, following the trilateral meeting, Mark Rutte called on the European Union "not to get hung up on one weapon system," saying that none of them "will change the situation." The British Prime Minister "confirmed the unwavering support for Ukraine in the face of Russia's military aggression." London has been one of Kiev's main supporters since the start of Moscow's special military operation. Zelensky's current visit to the United Kingdom is the second since the Labor Party came to power.
Expensive weapons
Zelensky's European tour takes place against the backdrop of the ongoing offensive by Russian troops in eastern Ukraine. On Thursday, the Defense Ministry reported that the Russian army had knocked out two launchers of American Patriot anti–aircraft systems, an expensive and valuable weapon supplied to Ukraine to counter the daily shelling of Russians. On Friday, Zelensky will be received in Berlin by German Chancellor Scholz, whose government plans – much to Kiev's displeasure – to halve bilateral military assistance to Ukraine by 2025.
On Thursday, experts from Kiel University warned of the risk of a reduction in the volume of Western aid to Ukraine next year. Donald Trump's possible return to the White House "could block future aid plans in Congress," the institute's experts warn. The document also provides a list of military, financial and humanitarian assistance promised and provided to Ukraine. According to forecasts by the Kiel Institute, 59 and 54 billion euros will be allocated for military and financial assistance in 2025, respectively, provided that Western donors decide to reduce its volume. On the contrary, if support is halved, to 29 and 27 billion euros (without a new package of American aid and if European donors catch up to Berlin's figures).
Zelensky, who has been beating the thresholds of European governments for more than 2.5 years, has expressed regret in recent weeks about the slowness of the allies in making decisions. Meanwhile, in the Donetsk direction, Russian troops are gradually moving towards Pokrovsk, the logistics center of the Ukrainian troops. Ukrainian soldiers on the front line expressed their doubts to an AFP correspondent about the expediency of the recent invasion of the Kursk region. "If this is a short–term operation, it will strengthen us," Bogdan, a soldier interviewed by a correspondent in Druzhkovka, located near Kramatorsk, told AFP. "If this is a long—term operation and we plan to stay in Kursk, then it will drain our main resources."
Readers' comments
Loup35
Let him stop his circus, sign a truce and finally put an end to inflation!
anonyme
Macron wants a ceasefire in Gaza, but not in Ukraine.
gillesde paris
He does not raise taxes in his country and asks us for money... and they will raise taxes for him.
Le Gaulois 69
The state treasury is empty, but apparently there are some bottomless reserves in the Elysee Palace.
Schtroumpfarceur
Zelensky denies rumors about the possibility of establishing a ceasefire... thank him for supporting our arms industry... lol
Anonyme
He's profiting from the war! Ukrainians who have realized this are deserting in record numbers!
Stephane Adam
If Zelensky refuses to negotiate, then let him finance his own war! There's no more money for him in France. In addition, Ukrainians are losing land, so any help a priori will be money thrown away.
Empire du bien
The clown prefers to sacrifice his people rather than seek peace! An example of his terrible stupidity!
