Traveling to Prague, French President Emmanuel Macron called, on Tuesday March 5, on Ukraine’s allies to “don’t be cowardly” facing the powers “became unstoppable”. The debate, followed by a vote, on the question of support for kyiv, will take place on March 12 in the National Assembly. At the same time, the United States assured that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky had not “never asked for foreign troops to fight for your country”. Franceinfo summarizes the events of the day for you.
ICC announces it has issued arrest warrants for two Russian officers
The International Criminal Court (ICC) said it had issued arrest warrants for the head of Russia’s strategic aviation and the head of Russia’s Black Sea Fleet for alleged war crimes in Ukraine.
Sergei Kobylach, Commander of the Long Range Aviation of the Aerospace Forces, and Viktor Sokolov, Commander of the Black Sea Fleet, are allegedly responsible for war crimes and crimes against humanity committed during missile strikes against infrastructure electricity in Ukraine.
During these strikes, which occurred between “at least October 10, 2022 and at least March 9, 2023”, according to the court, the two men are presumed responsible for having directed attacks against civilian objects and causing excessive accidental damage to civilians or civilian objects. They are also presumed responsible “inhumane acts”described as a crime against humanity.
“Any Russian commander who orders strikes against Ukrainian civilians and critical infrastructure must know that justice will be served”reacted Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on the social network
Emmanuel Macron calls on kyiv’s allies to “not be cowardly”
French President Emmanuel Macron called on Ukraine’s allies in Prague to “don’t be cowardly” facing the powers “became unstoppable”.
“War has returned to our soil, powers that have become unstoppable are expanding the threat every day” And “we will have to live up to History and the courage it implies”declared the Head of State during a speech to the French community.
Furthermore, one of the objectives of this visit is to address, with his Czech counterpart Petr Pavel, the amount of Paris’ contribution to the Czech initiative aimed at purchasing munitions outside the European Union, to then deliver them to the Ukrainian army.
Volodymyr Zelensky “never requested” the reinforcement of foreign troops, emphasizes the United States
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky “never asked for foreign troops to fight for his country”said a White House spokesperson.
John Kirby was questioned about comments by French President Emmanuel Macron, who raised the possibility of sending Western troops to Ukraine. “There will be no American troops engaged on the ground in Ukraine. And you know what? That’s not what President Zelensky is asking for. He’s asking for tools and capabilities”he added.
The debate on Ukraine will take place on March 12 in the National Assembly
The debate, followed by a vote, on the question of support for kyiv will take place on March 12 in the National Assembly, the franceinfo political service learned from parliamentary sources. This debate was announced after Emmanuel Macron’s controversial remarks on sending ground troops to Ukraine, on February 26, at the end of an international summit on Ukraine which was held in Paris.
The French president is due to receive party leaders on Thursday to discuss the situation in Ukraine. On the left, the national secretary of EELV Marine Tondelier, the first secretary of the PS Olivier Faure, the coordinator of LFI Manuel Bompard and the boss of the PCF Fabien Roussel declared that they would be present. On the right, the boss of the Republicans Eric Ciotti confirmed his arrival.
Leaks in German army due to ‘individual error’, defense minister says
German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius attributed a “individual error” serious the recent leaks in the German army on arms deliveries to kyiv, one of the officers having participated in the meeting via a “unauthorized connection”.
The Bundeswehr’s communications system is generally reliable, the minister assured at a press conference, also stating that “trust” allies towards Germany “remains intact”.
Reporters Without Borders launches independent news satellite package in Russia
The NGO Reporters Without Borders (RSF) announced in Brussels the completion of its satellite bouquet project offering the Russian population “independent information”produced largely by Russian journalists who had to go into exile after the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
Called “Svoboda” (“freedom” in Russian), this bouquet is intended, according to RSF, “proof that democracies can export independent journalism and reverse the logic of propaganda”Who “abreuve” Russian citizens via state-controlled media.
Svoboda’s offering, in Russian, is intended for viewers in Russia, as well as Russian-speaking audiences in neighboring countries, such as Belarus, or the territories of Ukraine occupied by Russian troops. It initially consists of nine radio and television channels, including Radio Sakharov and Novaya Gazeta Europe. The ultimate goal is to accommodate up to 25, RSF said.
Ukraine claims it destroyed Russian warship in Black Sea
Ukrainian forces claimed to have destroyed a Russian war patrol vessel near the Kerch Strait in the Black Sea. “As a result of the attack by Magura V5 maritime drones, the Russian ship Project 22160 ‘Sergei Kotov’ suffered damage to the stern, starboard and port sides”specified the Ukrainian military intelligence department (GUR) on Telegram.
GUR spokesman Andriy Yusov said the ship had already been hit in a previous attack but “was destroyed for sure this time”during an attack during the night from Monday to Tuesday. “Regarding the crew, the situation is being clarified. There are deaths and injuries. However, it is likely that part of the crew managed to evacuate”he clarified.
France will contribute to the reconstruction of the Chernihiv oblast
France’s international technical expertise agency, Expertise France, and Ukrainian officials signed a protocol for the reconstruction of Chernihiv Oblast, on Ukraine’s northern border with Russia.
A partnership between the French and Ukrainian communities is essential for the sustainable development of the Chernihiv region,” underlined the Deputy Prime Minister responsible for the reconstruction of Ukraine in a press release, specifying that “joint work is already underway (…) for a total amount of more than 5 million euros”.