Faced with Russian maneuvers, five great powers, including France, determined that the “sovereignty” of Ukraine “be respected”

In view of “Tensions between Russia and Ukraine”, the leaders of Germany, the United States, France, Italy and the United Kingdom have “Expressed their determination that sovereignty” from Ukraine “Be respected”, the Elysee said in a press release on Monday, December 6.

While Russia is accused of preparing an attack on its Ukrainian neighbor, Emmanuel Macron and the other four heads of state and government have also “Says their commitment to act to maintain peace and security in Europe”, added the French presidency after a phone call between the five leaders.

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According to the Elysee, they all recalled the need for Russia to re-engage in negotiations with Ukraine, within the framework of the so-called “Normandy” group, under the aegis of France and Germany.

Long-awaited interview between Biden and Putin

This diplomatic coordination of Westerners intervenes on the eve of a long-awaited videoconference interview between Joe Biden and Vladimir Poutin on the subject, and after the warning on Monday from the White House, which said it was ready to react against Moscow in the event of Ukraine’s aggression. The United States is ready to increase its military presence in Eastern Europe, a senior official in the Biden administration has said.

Washington intends to favor, in the event of an invasion of Ukraine, “A combination” of several elements: from “Support for the Ukrainian army”, “Strong economic sanctions” and “A substantial increase in support and capabilities with our allies within NATO”, without however considering going as far as a direct military response. “The United States does not seek to find itself in a position where the direct use of American forces would be at the center of our reflections”, explained this manager.

Sign of the peak of tension with Moscow, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky went to the front line with pro-Russian separatists in the east of his country on Monday. A senior American official told the Washington post of Friday that Russia was preparing to unleash, in early 2022, an offensive involving up to 175,000 men. Moscow has repeatedly denied any belligerent inclination and accused Western countries of increasing ” Provocation “.

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In mid-November, during a telephone interview with Vladimir Poutin, Emmanuel Macron had already expressed his “Will to defend the territorial integrity of Ukraine”, in reaction to the deployment of Russian troops on the Ukrainian border.

Ukraine has been torn since 2014 by a war with pro-Russian separatists, of which the Kremlin is considered the military godfather, despite its denials. The conflict, which has claimed more than 13,000 lives, began after Russia’s annexation of the Crimean Peninsula.

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The World with AFP

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