Friday, May 23, 2025
Observer Diplomat
  • Home
  • Regions
    • US & Canada
    • China
    • Latin America & Caribbean
    • Middle East
    • Central Asia
    • South Asia
    • East Asia & The Pacific
    • Africa
    • Europe
  • Topics
    • Opinion
    • Society
    • Security
    • Economy
    • Diplomacy
    • Politics
    • Environment
  • More
    • National Days
    • Podcasts
    • Interviews
    • Books and Reviews
    • Heads of Mission In Pakistan
    • Events
  • Magazine
  • About
    • Subscription
    • Newsletter
    • About Us
    • Write For Us
    • Advertise
    • Privacy Policy
    • Contact Us
No Result
View All Result
  • Home
  • Regions
    • US & Canada
    • China
    • Latin America & Caribbean
    • Middle East
    • Central Asia
    • South Asia
    • East Asia & The Pacific
    • Africa
    • Europe
  • Topics
    • Opinion
    • Society
    • Security
    • Economy
    • Diplomacy
    • Politics
    • Environment
  • More
    • National Days
    • Podcasts
    • Interviews
    • Books and Reviews
    • Heads of Mission In Pakistan
    • Events
  • Magazine
  • About
    • Subscription
    • Newsletter
    • About Us
    • Write For Us
    • Advertise
    • Privacy Policy
    • Contact Us
No Result
View All Result
Observer Diplomat
No Result
View All Result
Home East Asia & The Pacific

Lavrov: French Trainers in Ukraine are ‘Legitimate Targets’

News Desk by News Desk
June 5, 2024
in East Asia & The Pacific, Politics
0
Lavrov: French Trainers in Ukraine are ‘Legitimate Targets’

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov attends a joint news conference with his Iranian counterpart Hossein Amir-Abdollahian following their meeting, in Moscow, Russia, October 6, 2021. Kirill Kudryavtsev/Pool via REUTERS

Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Any French military instructors sent to Ukraine will be considered a “legitimate target” by Russian forces, stated Russia’s Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov. This declaration followed Ukrainian officials’ announcement that they are seeking training assistance from France. Lavrov made these comments during a joint news conference with Jean Claude Gakosso, the Republic of the Congo’s Foreign Minister. Lavrov asserted, “As for the French instructors, I think they are already on Ukrainian territory. Regardless of their status, military officials or mercenaries represent a legitimate target for our armed forces.”
Ukraine’s top military commander indicated last week that he had signed documents to permit French military instructors access to Ukrainian training centers soon. French President Emmanuel Macron, however, has remained non-committal, declining to address what he termed “rumors or decisions that could be made.” Macron stated that he would discuss France’s support for Ukraine during upcoming events marking the 80th anniversary of D-Day, where he will be joined by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
Macron’s office has not responded to Lavrov’s remarks, and there is no evidence currently confirming the presence of French instructors in Ukraine. Lavrov’s statements come amid Russia’s broader strategy to consolidate support, particularly in Africa, as Moscow continues its full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

Lavrov’s comments reflect Russia’s ongoing opposition to Western military involvement in Ukraine. His visits to Africa, including recent stops in Guinea and the Republic of the Congo, highlight Russia’s efforts to strengthen ties with countries frustrated by their traditional Western partners, such as France and the United States. Some African nations have turned to Russia for assistance in combating Islamic insurgencies.
In a related development, Lavrov dismissed the upcoming Ukraine peace conference scheduled for later this month in Switzerland. Russia, which currently occupies about 18 percent of Ukrainian territory, has not been invited to the conference. Lavrov criticized the event, saying, “This conference in Switzerland has no meaning. The only meaning it can have is to try to preserve this anti-Russian bloc which is in the process of crumbling.” Switzerland has announced that more than 80 delegations have confirmed their attendance at the conference. However, China, a key ally of Russia, has stated that it will not participate. Traore assumed power following a military coup in 2022. Lavrov is also expected to visit Chad on 5 June. Lavrov’s diplomatic efforts in Africa are part of Russia’s broader strategy to garner international support amid its ongoing conflict with Ukraine. These visits come at a time when several African nations are reassessing their alliances and looking towards Russia for military and economic assistance.
The situation in Ukraine remains volatile, with the potential presence of foreign military instructors adding another layer of complexity. Lavrov’s comments underscore Russia’s determination to oppose any foreign military involvement in Ukraine, framing it as a direct threat that warrants a military response.
French President Macron’s upcoming remarks during the D-Day anniversary events will be closely watched for any indication of France’s future military involvement in Ukraine. Meanwhile, the international community continues to navigate the challenging dynamics of the Russia-Ukraine conflict, with peace efforts facing significant obstacles. The peace conference in Switzerland, despite its exclusion of Russia, aims to address the ongoing conflict and seek resolutions. However, Lavrov’s dismissal of the conference’s significance highlights the deep divisions and the challenges faced by international efforts to mediate peace in the region.

As the situation evolves, the roles of international actors, including France and Russia, remain critical. The responses and strategies of these nations will significantly influence the course of the conflict and the prospects for peace in Ukraine.

Previous Post

Hamas Demands Ceasefire and Full Gaza Withdrawal for Peace Deal

Next Post

US House Passes Bill to Sanction ICC Over Israel

News Desk

News Desk

Next Post
US House Passes Bill to Sanction ICC Over Israel

US House Passes Bill to Sanction ICC Over Israel

  • Trending
  • Comments
  • Latest
Saudi Arabia Bans 1-Year Visit Visa for 14 Countries to Curb Illegal Hajj Pilgrims

Saudi Arabia Bans 1-Year Visit Visa for 14 Countries to Curb Illegal Hajj Pilgrims

February 4, 2025
Dublin’s Closed Israeli Embassy Becomes Palestinian Museum

Dublin’s Closed Israeli Embassy Becomes Palestinian Museum

December 27, 2024
De-dollarization Gains Momentum: 12 Countries Abandoned the US Dollar for Trade

De-dollarization Gains Momentum: 12 Countries Abandoned the US Dollar for Trade

January 17, 2025
Oppenheimer and Abdus Salam: A Rare Encounter of Scientific Minds Amidst Hollywood Frenzy

Oppenheimer and Abdus Salam: A Rare Encounter of Scientific Minds Amidst Hollywood Frenzy

July 29, 2023
Interview of Foreign Minister of Pakistan with Chinese Journalist

Interview of Foreign Minister of Pakistan with Chinese Journalist

0
Breakfast celebration in Turkish Embassy Islamabad

Breakfast celebration in Turkish Embassy Islamabad

0
Pakistan prepares for 75th Anniversary in Tanzania

Pakistan prepares for 75th Anniversary in Tanzania

0
Pakistan rice festival in Iran

Pakistan rice festival in Iran

0
Qatar Ranks 1st in Arab World in 2025 Quality of Life Index

Qatar Ranks 1st in Arab World in 2025 Quality of Life Index

May 23, 2025
UN Warns 14,000 Babies in Gaza Face Death Without Urgent Aid

UN Warns 14,000 Babies in Gaza Face Death Without Urgent Aid

May 23, 2025
EU to Lift Sanctions on Syria

EU to Lift Sanctions on Syria

May 21, 2025
Pakistan, China, and Afghanistan Commit to Deepening Trilateral Cooperation

Pakistan, China, and Afghanistan Commit to Deepening Trilateral Cooperation

May 21, 2025

Recent News

Qatar Ranks 1st in Arab World in 2025 Quality of Life Index

Qatar Ranks 1st in Arab World in 2025 Quality of Life Index

May 23, 2025
UN Warns 14,000 Babies in Gaza Face Death Without Urgent Aid

UN Warns 14,000 Babies in Gaza Face Death Without Urgent Aid

May 23, 2025
EU to Lift Sanctions on Syria

EU to Lift Sanctions on Syria

May 21, 2025
Pakistan, China, and Afghanistan Commit to Deepening Trilateral Cooperation

Pakistan, China, and Afghanistan Commit to Deepening Trilateral Cooperation

May 21, 2025

Observer Diplomat is a preeminent International Affairs and Diplomatic Magazine distinguished by its women-led editorial team. Committed to delivering in-depth analyses of global events, we offer a unique and nuanced perspective on international news. Our magazine serves as a beacon of knowledge, presenting a comprehensive understanding of the intricate dynamics shaping the world today.


REGIONS

  • Africa
  • Central Asia
  • China
  • East Asia & The Pacific
  • Europe
  • North America
  • Russia
  • South Asia

TOPICS

  • Diplomacy
  • Economy
  • Environment
  • Events
  • Opinion
  • Podcasts
  • Politics

ABOUT

  • Subscription
  • Newsletter
  • About Us
  • Write For Us
  • Privacy Policy
  • Advertise
  • Contact Us

Follow us

  • About
  • Advertise
  • Privacy & Policy
  • Contact

© 2023 observerdiplomat

No Result
View All Result
  • Home
  • Regions
    • US & Canada
    • China
    • Latin America & Caribbean
    • Middle East
    • Central Asia
    • South Asia
    • East Asia & The Pacific
    • Africa
    • Europe
  • Topics
    • Opinion
    • Society
    • Security
    • Economy
    • Diplomacy
    • Politics
    • Environment
  • More
    • National Days
    • Podcasts
    • Interviews
    • Books and Reviews
    • Heads of Mission In Pakistan
    • Events
  • Magazine
  • About
    • Subscription
    • Newsletter
    • About Us
    • Write For Us
    • Advertise
    • Privacy Policy
    • Contact Us

© 2023 observerdiplomat