Wednesday April 17th, 2024 my first Blog 12:00 am

Good morning! This is my first website and blogging experience. I appreciate any feedback, as it helps me improve and strengthen my writing etiquette. Today, Russian media sources and French media outlets have been reporting some interesting information. Usually, the two countries work fluidly with each other. Recent escalations have provided intriguing insights, especially as the French become involved in Ukraine. let's get right into the information today. Dozens of French soldiers killed in Ukraine by Iskander firing. Russia has Confirmed the strike. French foreign minister states to cut off communication with Russia 4/16/2024

France Confirms Death of Two French Aid Workers in Ukraine (usnews.com) https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-68182613 https://www.aa.com.tr/en/russia-ukraine-war/more-than-60-mercenaries-mostly-french-killed-in-ukraine-russia/3111884 https://www.newsweek.com/russia-pyotr-tolstoy-kill-french-soldiers-ukraine-war-1881912 https://news.yahoo.com/russia-used-iskander-ballistic-missile-115000669.html French Soldiers Killed:

• Russian forces have targeted French soldiers in Ukraine.

• More than 60 mercenaries, primarily French, were killed in the Ukrainian city of Kharkiv during an attack on a temporary deployment point1.

• Additionally, two French aid workers lost their lives in a Russian strike in Ukraine2.

• French President Emmanuel Macron has expressed solidarity with volunteers committed to helping people in the region3.

• Russian Response:

• Russian lawmaker Pyotr Tolstoy stated that Russian forces would kill all French soldiers deployed to fight in Ukraine.

• Tolstoy’s remarks came after Macron’s assertion that there are “no limits” to France’s support for Kyiv.

• Russia has also considered the possibility of a nuclear strike on Paris.

• French Foreign Minister’s Stance:

• In response to these incidents, the French Foreign Minister has called for cutting off communication with Russia Russia’s Nuclear Threats and French Response Amid escalating tensions surrounding the conflict in Ukraine, Russia has made alarming statements regarding the use of nuclear weapons. Here are the key points:

• French President’s Stance:

• French President Emmanuel Macron recently asserted that Paris would not respond with nuclear weapons if Russia launched a nuclear attack on Ukraine.

• Macron emphasized that France’s nuclear doctrine is based on the country’s vital interests, which would not be at stake in the event of a nuclear ballistic attack in Ukraine or the region.

• However, this statement has drawn criticism for potentially undermining the credibility of France’s nuclear deterrence strategy.

• Russian Vice-President’s Disturbing Remark:

• Pyotr Tolstoy, the vice-president of the Russian Duma, openly discussed the prospect of Russia launching a nuclear bomb toward Paris.

• He vowed that Russian troops would “kill all French soldiers” deployed in Ukraine.

• This statement has raised global alarm and intensified concerns about the situation.

• NATO’s Role and Article 5:

• Article 5 of the NATO treaty stipulates that member states should come to the defense of other members in case of an attack.

• Macron’s assertion that France would not respond with nuclear bombs in Ukraine or the region may cause unease among NATO allies like Poland, Romania, and Slovakia.

• U.S. Position:

  • While the U.S. has remained vague about its response to a Russian nuclear attack on Ukraine, it has made it clear that Russia would face a massive-scale conventional forces response. https://www.msn.com/en-gb/news/world/russia-ukraine-war-live-us-warns-of-dangerous-game-at-nuclear-plant-as-france-breaks-off-kremlin-contact/ar-BB1kp45f https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/other/russia-accuses-ukraine-of-drone-attack-on-europe-s-largest-nuclear-plant/ar-BB1l88Vw https://www.msn.com/en-gb/news/world/in-rare-call-russian-defense-minister-warns-french-counterpart-against-sending-troops-to-ukraine/ar-BB1l2S3y Russian Warning to France:

• Russia’s Defense Minister, Sergei Shoigu, issued a rare phone call to his French counterpart, Sébastien Lecornu.

• Shoigu warned France against deploying troops to Ukraine. He stated that if Paris follows through with its statements about sending a French military contingent to Ukraine, it would “create problems for France itself.”

• French President Emmanuel Macron had previously mentioned the possibility of Western troops being sent to Ukraine, although French officials clarified that this pertained to training and other operations away from the frontlines.

  • Denial of Ukraine Talks:

• During the same call, Russia claimed that Shoigu and Lecornu discussed the potential for talks on the Ukraine conflict.

• However, France swiftly denied this claim, stating that they neither accepted nor proposed any such discussions related to the conflict.

  • Kharkiv Drone Strikes:

• Russian drones targeted residences in Kharkiv, Ukraine’s second-largest city.

• The strikes resulted in the deaths of five people, including three rescue workers. A repeat strike occurred after the initial attack.

• Kharkiv’s mayor reported that four people died at the scene, and additional injuries were sustained.

• The regional governor confirmed that a total of four strikes hit the city, damaging the top floors of an apartment building1.

  • Finland-Ukraine Security Deal:

• Finland’s President signed a 10-year security deal with Ukraine in Kyiv.

• Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy asserted that Russia planned to mobilize 300,000 new troops for its war by June.

• However, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov refuted this claim, stating that the assertion about a new Russian mobilization was untrue https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/apr/04/ukraine-russia-war-france-troops-warning-sergei-shoigu https://www.politico.eu/article/phone-call-russia-france-lecornu-shoigu-diplomatic-headache-terror-attack-moscow/ https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/4/13/russia-ukraine-war-list-of-key-events-day-779 The relationship between France and Russia has been marked by tension, conflicting narratives, and recent escalations. As the crisis unfolds, diplomatic channels, military preparedness, and global alliances will play pivotal roles. The world watches closely as these two nations navigate a precarious geopolitical landscape. i appreciate everybody who has taken the time to read, and engage in my first blog, i will continue to cover this on going situation between the two Countries. Stay Safe, Stay Informed -GTW

1. Military Escalations:

• French soldiers have been targeted in Ukraine, leading to casualties and heightened concerns.

• Russia’s warning against French troop deployment underscores the gravity of the conflict.

1. Nuclear Threats:

• Russian Vice-President Pyotr Tolstoy’s mention of a potential nuclear strike on Paris has alarmed the international community.

• France’s stance on not responding with nuclear weapons in Ukraine adds complexity to NATO’s collective defense commitments.

1. Diplomatic Strain:

• Communication between Russia and France remains strained, with conflicting reports on talks related to Ukraine.

• The French Foreign Minister’s call to sever communication reflects the severity of the situation.