To identify aerial targets and avoid violation of the borders of the Russian Federation
, three Su-27 fighters intercepted and escorted two French Mirage 2000 and Rafale fighters, a French air force KC-135 refueler as well as two American reconnaissance planes, a CL-600 Artemis
and RC-135, the Russian Defense Ministry said in a statement.
The day before, Wednesday, Moscow let it be known that it had intercepted and escorted three French aircraft over the Black Sea.
Strong tensions between Russia and the West
Russia, which has amassed tens of thousands of troops on the border with Ukraine, is accused by the West of wanting to prepare a military operation against this country.
US President Joe Biden, in an interview on Tuesday, threatened Vladimir Putin with “harsh economic sanctions” if his army invaded Ukraine.
On Wednesday, it was France’s turn to warn Moscow against strategic and massive consequences
in the event of an attack on Ukraine.
Moscow denies any bellicose tendency and accuses the NATO countries of increasing Provocation
for example by carrying out military maneuvers near its borders in the Black Sea.
Putin talks about genocide
, Kiev welcomes Biden’s support
In a meeting with Russia’s Presidential Human Rights Council on Thursday, Vladimir Putin said current events in the warring eastern Ukraine constitute a first step towards genocide
.
” I must speak of Russophobia as a first step towards genocide. This is what is happening right now. We can see it, we know it. And of course that sounds like the genocide you mentioned. “
Faced with Putin’s accusations, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky reaffirmed, in a statement released on Thursday, his unwavering commitment
to achieve the peace
.
He subsequently thanked his American counterpart, Joe Biden, for his constant, firm and strong support for sovereignty and territorial integrity
from his country
Paris and Berlin offer their mediation
France and Germany intend to continue their mediation in the Ukrainian crisis and will have further exchanges in this direction with Russia, which is now shunning this format of discussions, as well as with Ukraine.
This work must continue
, hammered French President Emmanuel Macron during a press conference, alluding to the format said Normandy
which brings together France, Germany, Russia and Ukraine in the search for a solution to the crisis.
In recent years, it has prevented the deterioration [de la situation] and it also allowed us to have results
added Macron, who has promised to meet his Ukrainian counterpart Volodymyr Zelensky on December 15 and speak to Vladimir Putin on the phone next week.
With information from AFP
