what to remember from Wednesday March 13

The Ukrainian commander-in-chief notably recognized a “difficult” situation on the Eastern Front, where Russian troops remain on the offensive.

An extra day. The Ukrainian commander-in-chief, Oleksandr Syrsky, recognized on Wednesday March 13 a situation “difficult” on the Eastern Front, where Russian troops remain on the offensive, unlike other areas where their activity has “greatly diminished”. At the same time, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk announced a meeting on Friday in Berlin between the leaders of Poland, Germany and France to continue reflection on ways to “bring unwavering and long-term support for Ukraine”, according to the Elysée. Franceinfo takes stock of the highlights of the day.

US sees no sign Russia is preparing to use nuclear weapon in Ukraine

Now is not the time to panic. The United States saw no signs that Russia was preparing to use a nuclear weapon in Ukraine, assured Karine Jean-Pierre, White House spokesperson, in reaction to remarks by Vladimir Putin. The latter was questioned by journalists about the Russian president’s comments, who said he was ready to deploy nuclear weapons if Russia’s sovereignty was threatened.

According to her, Vladimir Putin only seems to have done “reiterate Russia’s nuclear doctrine” during an interview on Russian television. “Nevertheless, Russia’s rhetoric on the nuclear issue has been reckless and irresponsible” since the start of the war in Ukraine, she added.

The Ukrainian army recognizes a “difficult” situation on the Eastern Front

Ukrainian Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrsky recognized a situation “difficult” on the Eastern Front, where Russian troops remain on the offensive, unlike other areas where their activity has “greatly diminished”.

“The operational situation on the Eastern Front remains difficult”declared General Syrsky on Telegram messaging, saying he had gone to the “theater of operations” in the area where there is “a threat of deep Russian advances”without further details.

“The enemy continues to carry out offensive actions, concentrating its main efforts in the areas of Terny, Ivanivské, Berdychi, Tonenké, Verbové and Robotyné”added General Syrsky, publishing photos showing him with soldiers on the ground. “At the same time, probably due to the high level of losses, enemy activity in other areas of the front has significantly decreased”he added.

MEPs want to cap Ukrainian grain imports

MEPs voted to cap Ukrainian imports of cereals exempt from customs duties, in the same way as eggs, poultry or sugar – a measure demanded by the agricultural sector and which will have to be negotiated with member states.

The European Parliament, meeting in plenary session, validated following the Twenty-Seven the renewal for one year, from June, of the exemption from customs duties for Ukrainian agricultural imports granted since 2022, but extending to cereals “safeguard mechanisms” reinforced.

European farmers accuse the influx of cereals, eggs and chickens from Ukraine of lowering local prices, particularly in neighboring countries, and of fueling competition “disloyal” failing to meet certain standards (mass-raised poultry, etc.).

French senators approve by a large majority the security agreement between Paris and kyiv

After the Assembly, it was the Senate’s turn to examine the security agreement signed in mid-February between France and Ukraine, during a debate followed by a consultative vote, Wednesday March 13. Like the deputies, the senators approved the text by a large majority, by 293 votes and 22 against.

In a hemicycle which has no elected representatives from La France insoumise and only three from the National Rally, the declaration of Prime Minister Gabriel Attal did not give rise to debates as lively as at the Palais Bourbon, where the RN abstained. while LFI voted against. The immense majority of senators The Republicans, the leading political force at the Luxembourg Palace, voted in favor, despite six oppositions and four abstentions. Only the communist group voted against.

An emergency meeting on Friday in Berlin

The leaders of Poland, Germany and France will meet in Berlin on Friday for an emergency meeting devoted to Ukraine. This meeting is a “common initiative” Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk, French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, Berlin said.

The three capitals “have the task and the power to mobilize all of Europe” to provide new aid to Ukraine, said Donald Tusk in an interview with the public television channel TVP Info, broadcast Tuesday evening. According to the French presidency, Friday’s summit should make it possible to reaffirm the “will” of the three leaders “to provide unwavering and long-term support to Ukraine”.

France and Germany have recently exposed their differences on the means to support kyiv militarily, weakening the message of unity that Ukraine’s allies are trying to send to Russia.

Austria expels two Russian diplomats

Austria has announced the expulsion of two Russian diplomats, amid tensions since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine which led to heavy Western economic sanctions.

The diplomats behaved “in a manner incompatible with their diplomatic status”, estimated the Austrian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, without providing details. The two Russians have until Tuesday March 19 to leave the country. The Russian Embassy in Vienna declared itself “outré” by the decision “purely political” from Austria, assuring that he had not received “not the slightest beginning of proof”. “A firm response from Moscow is beyond doubt”added the embassy.