Cliff Notes – Russia reinterpreting agreements in Black Sea
- Emmanuel Macron expressed concerns over Russia’s tendency to reinterpret ceasefire agreements, following a recent tentative deal involving Ukraine, the US, and Russia concerning strikes in the Black Sea region.
- Despite a ceasefire being brokered, drone strikes occurred shortly after the agreement, highlighting ongoing hostilities, particularly in the US-supported efforts to curb Russian aggression.
- Macron announced an additional $2 billion in military support for Ukraine and asserted that Russia cannot dictate peace conditions, while discussions of a European armed force for potential deployment in Ukraine were proposed.
Russia reinterpreting agreements in Black Sea ceasefire talks, Emmanuel Macron says
Emmanuel Macron has said Russia is reinterpreting what was agreed in the Black Sea ceasefire talks – as he met with Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at the Elysee Palace in Paris.
Ukraine and Russia agreed to a tentative ceasefire brokered by the US involving the Black Sea and strikes on energy infrastructure on Tuesday.
Fighting continues on both sides
But drone strikes were reported just hours after the US reached the deals separately with each country, with the mayor of the Ukrainian port city Mykolaiv saying there were emergency power outages after reports seven drones were downed over the region.
Meanwhile Ukrainian troops destroyed a Russian command post in the area between Viktorovka and Uspenovka in Russia’s Kursk Oblast, Ukraine’s General Staff reported on March 26. The commander of the 1st Battalion of the 9th Motor Rifle Regiment was killed in the strike, according to the statement.
“I note today Russia is always tempted to reinterpret what we discuss and agree,” the French president said on Wednesday.
“While saying it wants peace, Russia continues to strike intensely the Ukrainian territory, including civilian targets. These strikes – we condemn them.”
Emmanuel Macron and Volodymyr Zelensky have there own bromance, they always hug as they meet and Macron has stayed true to the Ukraine cause, at least in public.
Secretary of state Marco Rubio
Secretary of state Marco Rubio said on Wednesday that the US will evaluate demands made by Russia after Moscow agreed “in principle” to the ceasefire.
Russia also accused Ukraine of targeting energy infrastructure in Crimea, Kursk and Bryansk but this has not been independently verified. Ukraine denied the claims.
Meanwhile, Russia launched its largest drone attack yet on Mr Zelenskyy’s hometown of Kryvyi Rih, according to the city’s military administration chief.
Macron announces further military support
As Mr Macron announced an additional $2bn of military support for Ukraine, he added that Russia cannot dictate the conditions for a lasting peace in Ukraine.
When questioned on whether sanctions on Russia should be lifted, Mr Macron said it is “much too early”.
Additional sources
- Russia ‘reinterpreting’ agreements in Black Sea ceasefire talks, Emmanuel Macron says
- Russia ‘reinterpreting’ agreements in Black Sea ceasefire talks, Macron says
- European troops deployed to Ukraine will ‘respond’ if attacked, Macron warns