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Macron seeks Olympic truce and supports neutral participation of Russian athletes in Paris Games
French President Emmanuel Macron has expressed hope that hostilities in Russia's war against Ukraine and other military conflicts, particularly in the Middle East and Sudan, will cease during the Paris Olympic Games. In an interview with French media on Monday, April 15, Macron stated his commitment to "do everything possible to obtain an Olympic truce" for the upcoming Summer Games.
"We want to work on an Olympic truce, and I think this is an opportunity for me to engage with many of our …
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Norway to supply Ukraine with upgraded F-16 jets and advanced weapons systems
Norway has joined the 'fighter jet coalition' and will provide Ukraine with jets armed with the latest weapons, said the Norwegian Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide during a joint briefing with his Ukrainian counterpart, Dmytro Kuleba.
"I am convinced that Ukraine should also strengthen its striking potential, to land blows beyond the front line. It's one of the reasons we are very pleased to join the F-16 coalition, where we will transfer Norwegian F-16s that are updated and in good shape," …
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Germany to supply Ukraine with additional Patriot air defense system amid Russian strikes
Germany has decided to supply Ukraine with an additional Patriot air defense system in order to strengthen the country's defenses against Russia, the German Federal Ministry of Defense announced on Saturday, April 13. The anti-aircraft missile system, taken from Bundeswehr reserves, is to be delivered to the Ukrainian side without delay. The decision comes in response to escalated missile and bomb strikes by Russia on Ukrainian territory, the ministry said in a statement.
"We are doing as much …
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European Parliament delays EU Council funding over failure to supply Ukraine with Patriot systems
The European Parliament has postponed a decision on funding for the Council of the European Union due to the failure of EU member states to provide additional Patriot systems to Ukraine, Evropeiska Pravda reports, citing MEPs in attendance.
Guy Verhofstadt, a former Belgian Prime Minister from the Renew Europe faction, proposed removing the European Council's budget approval from the agenda until the member states can deliver the seven Patriot systems that Ukraine urgently requires. …
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French Foreign Minister dismisses further talks with Russia, citing misleading statements after defense chiefs' call
French Foreign Minister Stéphane Séjourné has stated that he is no longer interested in "discussions with Russian officials" following recent contacts between the defense chiefs of France and Russia, according to France 24.
"Today, it is not in our interest to discuss with Russian officials, as the press releases they issue are false," the minister declared.
On April 3, French Defense Minister Sébastien Lecornu had a phone call with his Russian counterpart Sergei Shoygu, marking the first …