what to remember from Friday June 7

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky visited Paris on Friday. After giving a speech to the Assembly, he spoke with his American counterpart, Joe Biden, then with Emmanuel Macron.

The Ukrainian President, Volodymyr Zelensky, was visiting Paris on Friday June 7, after participating in the ceremonies marking the 80th anniversary of the Normandy landings. The leader addressed deputies in the National Assembly on Friday morning, before a midday meeting with his American counterpart Joe Biden, then an interview followed by a press conference with Emmanuel Macron on Friday evening. Here’s what to remember from the day.

“Europe is no longer a continent of peace,” Volodymyr Zelensky tells the Assembly

At the National Assembly on Friday morning, the Ukrainian president painted a black picture of the situation on the Old Continent. “Again in Europe, cities are completely destroyed and villages are burned”declared Volodymyr Zelensky, more than two years after the start of a deadly Russian invasion in his country. “Again in Europe, filtration camps, deportations and hatred appear”he listed, qualifying Russian President Vladimir Putin “common enemy” of Ukraine and Europe. “Europe is no longer a continent of peace, unfortunately.”

“I thank you for standing with us to defend life,” declared the Ukrainian head of state, adding that “since the first hours of this attack, I know that I can count on you.” “I would like to thank France for choosing the side of humanity in this war”, he pointed out.

The Ukrainian head of state also affirmed that victory was possible, despite Russian advances on the front. “Can we win this battle? Certainly yes”, he assured. Volodymyr Zelensky also judged that the international peace summit, scheduled for June 15 and 16 in Switzerland, could bring Ukraine closer together “of a just end to this war”.

New American aid to Ukraine

During a meeting with Joe Biden in Paris, Volodymyr Zelensky was promised new American aid of 225 million dollars (206 million euros). “The United States will always be with you”, declared the President of the United States, apologizing for the delay in the aid provided by Washington to kyiv. The Ukrainian president thanked his counterpart for the “great support” American.

“Ukraine knows that it can count on our support,” declares Emmanuel Macron

Late Friday afternoon, Volodymyr Zelensky arrived at the Elysée for an interview followed by a joint press conference with Emmanuel Macron. “Ukraine knows that it can count on our long-term support to help it as long as necessary.” declared the French president. The head of state also gave his support to “effective launch” negotiations for Ukraine’s accession to the European Union, “by the end of the month”.

The two presidents also witnessed the signing of two agreements, with 650 million euros in loans and donations to Ukraine to support in particular the critical energy infrastructures targeted by Russia. The Franco-German arms group KNDS, which notably manufactures Caesar cannons, has also formalized the creation of a subsidiary in Ukraine.

Paris wants to “finalize a coalition” to send instructors to Ukraine

Emmanuel Macron assured Friday, alongside his Ukrainian counterpart, that he wanted “finalize a coalition” of countries ready to send military instructors to Ukraine. “Several of our partners have already given their agreement” And “we will use the coming days to finalize a coalition”declared the Head of State during the press conference, judging “legitimate” this request from Ukraine.

Ukrainians expressed “explicit way the needs for a simple reason”they are in the process of “mobilize very strongly” and will have to “train tens of thousands of soldiers”which is “more practical on Ukrainian soil”, underlined the French president. He also confirmed the upcoming start of training of Ukrainian pilots on French Mirage 2000-5 fighters.

At least 26 dead in Ukrainian strikes, according to occupation authorities

At least 26 people were killed and dozens injured Friday in Ukrainian strikes on Russian-controlled areas in eastern and southern Ukraine, occupation authorities said.

A double strike notably targeted the village of Sadové, in the southern region of Kherson, partially occupied by Russia. According to Vladimir Saldo, head of the Russian occupation of the region, an aerial bomb destroyed a store “with a significant number of visitors and employees” in this village, before a HIMARS missile struck the area, killing 22 people and injuring 15 others.

Russian forces have conquered 47 towns in Ukraine since January, says Moscow

The Russian army has conquered 47 localities in Ukraine since the start of the year, Russian President Vladimir Putin welcomed Friday, his troops being on the offensive in the east and south of Ukraine facing Ukrainian forces in difficulty. This represents “880 km2”declared the leader during the plenary session of the International Economic Forum in Saint Petersburg (Russia).