Russian President Vladimir Putin’s declaration that French troops would be considered ‘legitimate targets’ in Ukraine escalates tensions, as international support for Ukraine strengthens with US and EU pledges amid ongoing conflict.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has warned that French troops will be considered “legitimate targets” should they deploy in Ukraine, according to his spy chief Sergei Naryshkin. This statement came after French President Emmanuel Macron hinted at the possibility of deploying European soldiers to the region. France has responded by calling for the Kremlin to avoid “irresponsible provocations”. Amidst the escalating situation, Russia is evacuating approximately 9,000 children from its Belgorod region, adjacent to Ukraine, due to increased shelling.
On the battlefield, Russian forces claim to have repelled aerial attacks near the border, resulting in the evacuation of civilians and the downing of several Ukraine-launched missiles and drones. Ukraine’s forces are bolstering their defenses around critical areas, including Kupiansk, amidst heightened assaults by Russia.
In support of Ukraine, US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin has pledged continued assistance despite funding hurdles in Congress. Concurrently, the European Union (EU) is planning to utilize profits from frozen Russian assets to aid Ukraine, showcasing strong international support against Russian aggression. In light of these tensions, President Putin plans to visit China in May for talks with President Xi Jinping, following global criticism over his recent re-election.
In related developments, the Czech Republic will send thousands of additional artillery shells to Ukraine, aiming to alleviate the country’s ammunition shortage amidst its conflict with Russia. Czech Foreign Minister Jan Lipavský underscored the significance of this aid, with the Czech initiative receiving support from several European countries and Canada, highlighting a concerted effort to support Ukraine against Russian military aggression.
Moreover, the EU is preparing to provide Ukraine with access to £235 billion in financial reserves, consisting of frozen Russian assets. This fund, comprised of currencies, gold, and government bonds, has been frozen due to sanctions against Russia following its troops’ invasion of Ukraine in 2022. This move, expected to be operational by July pending new EU legislation, marks a significant step in the EU’s support for Ukraine amidst ongoing conflict.
