February 2022 - France Special Weapons News

The French President spoke with the Ukrainian President, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, several times over the past few hours. Élysée - President of France 28 Feb 2022 -- The President of the French Republic spoke with the President of the Russian Federation, Vladimir Putin, today, Monday, 28 February 2022.
The French President spoke with the Ukrainian President, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, several times over the past few hours. Élysée - President of France 28 Feb 2022 -- The French President spoke with the Ukrainian President, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, several times over the past few hours.
Ukraine Crisis Shapes French Presidential Race VOA 28 Feb 2022 -- France is gearing up for April presidential elections like no other — with Russia's invasion of Ukraine shaping the campaign, and President Emmanuel Macron yet to enter the race. That's expected to change within days, or hours — as the deadline for registering is Friday (March 4).
France to deploy 500 soldiers in Romania amid Ukraine crisis People's Daily 27 Feb 2022 -- France will deploy 500 soldiers in Romania within the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) framework, French daily Le Figaro reported Saturday, citing General Thierry Burkhard, chief of staff of the French Armed Forces.
France Stops Ship Suspected Of Belonging To Russian Company Targeted By EU Sanctions RFE/RL 26 Feb 2022 -- French sea police have seized a ship that authorities suspect belongs to a Russian company targeted by European Union sanctions over the unprovoked Russian full-scale invasion of Ukraine, AFP and Reuters reported on February 26.
Macron Reiterates Support For Moldova, Georgia - Both Facing Breakaway Regions RFE/RL 26 Feb 2022 -- French President Emmanuel Macron has told the presidents of Georgia and Moldova - each facing Russia-backed separatist regions in their own country -- that France would support them "against any tension or destabilization attempt."
Russian Space Agency Suspends Cooperation With Europe on Launches in Kourou Spaceport Sputnik 26 Feb 2022 -- The Russian space agency Roscosmos is suspending cooperation with Europe on launches from the Kourou cosmodrome and is recalling its employees from French Guiana in response to sanctions imposed by the European Union, the head of the agency, Dmitry Rogozin, said on Saturday.
The President of the French Republic spoke to Mr. Alexander LUKACHENKO, President of the Republic of Belarus today, Saturday, February 26, 2022. Élysée - President of France 26 Feb 2022
Telephone conversation with President of France Emmanuel Macron President of Russia 24 Feb 2022
Deputy Secretary Sherman's Call with French, German, Italian, and UK Counterparts US Dept. of State 24 Feb 2022
Deputy Secretary Sherman's Call with French, German, Italian, and UK Counterparts US Dept. of State 23 Feb 2022
Release of the Combined Space Operations Vision 2031 statement Australia DOD 23 Feb 2022 -- Senior Defence officials from Australia, Canada, France, Germany, New Zealand, the UK, and the USA, have come together to release the Combined Space Operations (CSpO) Vision 2031 statement.
PM call with President Macron: 22 February 2022 Gov.UK 22 Feb 2022 -- The Prime Minister spoke to French President Emmanuel Macron this afternoon about the chilling developments in Ukraine last night.
UK and partners publish vision for responsible space operations UK MOD 22 Feb 2022 -- As part of the Combined Space Operations Initiative (CSpO), the UK has published a vision affirming a commitment to lead as responsible actors in space.
Police in Central African Republic Arrest 4 French Soldiers VOA 22 Feb 2022 -- Police in the Central African Republic have detained four French soldiers who are with the United Nations peacekeeping mission in the country (MINUSCA). The arrests sparked false rumors that France had attempted to assassinate the C.A.R.'s president.
DoD and Partners Release Combined Space Operations Vision 2031 DoD 22 Feb 2022 -- The United States joins Australia, Canada, France, Germany, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom in the joint release of the "Combined Space Operations (CSpO) Vision 2031" today.
Readout of President Biden's Call with President Macron of France and Chancellor Scholz of Germany The White House 21 Feb 2022
The President of the Republic condemns the decision taken by the President of the Russian Federation to recognize the separatist regions of eastern Ukraine. Élysée - President of France 21 Feb 2022 -- "The President of the Republic condemns the decision taken by the President of the Russian Federation to recognize the separatist regions of eastern Ukraine."
Telephone conversations with President of France Emmanuel Macron and Federal Chancellor of Germany Olaf Scholz President of Russia 21 Feb 2022 -- Vladimir Putin had telephone conversations with President of France Emmanuel Macron and Federal Chancellor of Germany Olaf Scholz.
Macron, Putin hold phone call over Ukraine, stress need for diplomatic solution People's Daily 21 Feb 2022 -- French President Emmanuel Macron and his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin pledged to "avoid an escalation, reduce risks and preserve peace" in eastern Ukraine during a phone call on Sunday, the French presidential office said in a press release.
Readout of President Biden's Call with President Emmanuel Macron of France The White House 20 Feb 2022
Telephone conversation with President of France Emmanuel Macron President of Russia 20 Feb 2022 -- Vladimir Putin had a telephone conversation with President of the French Republic Emmanuel Macron at the French side's initiative.
The President of the Republic spoke with the President of the United States, Mr. Joe BIDEN and the President of the Russian Federation, Mr. Vladimir PUTIN. Élysée - President of France 20 Feb 2022 -- "The President of the Republic spoke with the President of the United States, Mr. Joe BIDEN and the President of the Russian Federation, Mr. Vladimir PUTIN. (...) Presidents BIDEN and PUTIN have both accepted the principle of such a summit."
Putin Ready for Diplomatic Solution to Ukraine Crisis, Johnson Tells Macron - Downing Street Sputnik 20 Feb 2022 -- UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson has discussed the situation in Ukraine with French President Emmanuel Macron, with Johnson telling his French counterpart that Russian President Vladimir Putin's "commitments" suggest openness for dialogue, Downing Street says.
France says Macron, Putin agree to work for ceasefire in eastern Ukraine Press TV 20 Feb 2022 -- French President Emmanuel Macron and his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin have agreed to work for a ceasefire in eastern Ukraine, Macron's office says, amid growing tensions between Moscow and the US-led NATO over Ukraine.
Macron Holds Second Phone Conversation With Putin on Sunday - Reports Sputnik 20 Feb 2022 -- French President Emmanuel Macron held a second phone conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Sunday, BFMTV reports.
Putin Points to NATO Effort to Push Kiev Into Military Solution in Donbass During Call With Macron Sputnik 20 Feb 2022 -- The Donbass has seen a dramatic escalation of military activity in recent days, with local militias and Kiev forces accusing one another of back-and-forth mortar and artillery attacks. On Friday, the breakaways announced a general mobilisation and organized the evacuation of civilians to neighbouring Russia amid fears of an all-out assault by Kiev.
G7 Foreign Ministers' Statement on Russia and Ukraine US Dept. of State 19 Feb 2022 -- The text of the following statement was released by the G7 foreign ministers of Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom, and the United States of America, and the High Representative of the European Union.
Raeisi to Macron: Any Vienna agreement must remove all anti-Iran sanctions, provide credible guarantees Press TV 19 Feb 2022 -- Iranian President Ebrahim Raeisi says any possible agreement between Iran and the P4+1 group of countries in the Austrian capital of Vienna must include the removal of all sanctions, the provision of valid guarantees and cessation of political issues and claims.
Secretary Blinken's Meeting with French Foreign Minister Le Drian US Dept. of State 19 Feb 2022
Secretary Antony J. Blinken And French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian Before Their Meeting US Dept. of State 19 Feb 2022
Mali tells France to pull out troops 'without delay', cites 'flagrant violations' of bilateral accords Press TV 18 Feb 2022 -- The government of Mali has asked France to pull out its forces from the country "without delay," casting doubt on Paris' plans to withdraw troops over several months.
European Troops to Be Relocated From Mali to Niger's Border Region, President Says Sputnik 18 Feb 2022 -- European forces, whose withdrawal from Mali was announced earlier yesterday, will be redeployed to regions of Niger along the border with Mali, Nigerien President Mohamed Bazoum said.
Mali Demands French, European Troops Leave Country Immediately VOA 18 Feb 2022 -- The military government of Mali says France's decision to withdraw troops is a violation of bilateral accords. At the same time, the government says it wants French forces to leave Mali immediately.
Joint Statement by the Foreign Minister of Germany, Annalena Baerbock and the Foreign Minister of France, Jean-Yves Le Drian on the situation in Donbas and at Ukraine's borders Germany Federal Foreign Office 18 Feb 2022 -- The increase in ceasefire violations along the line of contact in recent days is highly concerning. We condemn the use of heavy weaponry and indiscriminate shelling of civilian areas, which constitute clear violation of the Minsk agreements.
Joint declaration on the fight against the terrorist threat and the support to peace and security in the Sahel and West Africa Germany Federal Foreign Office 17 Feb 2022 -- On the eve of the European Union - African Union Summit, we, Sahelian and neighbouring countries as well as international partners, met to discuss the situation in the Sahel. We remain committed to supporting Mali and its people in their efforts to achieve sustainable peace and stability and to fight terrorist threats in the Sahel region.
France Announces Military Withdrawal from Mali VOA 17 Feb 2022 -- France and its allies Thursday announced a coordinated military withdrawal from Mali. France sent troops to push occupying militants out of northern Mali in 2013 and has been fighting insurgents alongside Malian troops ever since. Analysts say the withdrawal could have serious implications for security in Mali and across the region.
France to pull troops from Mali after 10 years of failure Press TV 17 Feb 2022 -- France has announced that it will withdraw thousands of troops from Mali due to a breakdown in relations with the country, a decade after launching a war without the initial approval of the United Nations or even the French parliament.
Xi, Macron agree on next stage bilateral cooperation, exchange views on Ukraine Global Times 17 Feb 2022 -- Chinese President Xi Jinping had a phone conversation on Wednesday with his French counterpart Emmanuel Macron, during which the two leaders reached consensus on cooperation for the next stage in multiple areas including agriculture, finance, aviation and commerce and the French leader pledged the full support for the ongoing Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics.
Readout of Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III's Meeting With the Euro Quad: France, Germany, and the United Kingdom DoD 16 Feb 2022
France Returns $10 Million To Tashkent That Was 'Illegally' Earned By Late Uzbek President's Daughter RFE/RL 15 Feb 2022 -- Uzbek officials say their efforts to get back assets "illegally" earned by the jailed daughter of late President Islam Karimov has led to the return of $10 million to Tashkent from France.
Le Drian Says France Will Totally Pull Out of Mali, But 'Not Leaving' Sahel Region Sputnik 15 Feb 2022 -- In the latest development of France's row with Mali, Paris has opted to totally pull out of the Sahelian nation, saying it will continue fighting terrorist groups in nearby nations. However, its presence there is scarcely more welcomed by the local population than in Mali.
Taiwan refutes French presidential candidate's 'Taiwan part of China' remark CNA 15 Feb 2022 -- Taiwan's government refuted on Tuesday a recent statement made by a French presidential candidate that Taiwan is part of the People's Republic of China (PRC) and should follow the "one country, two systems" arrangement proposed by Beijing.
Deputy Secretary Sherman's Call with French, German, Italian and UK Counterparts US Dept. of State 15 Feb 2022
Secretary Blinken's Call with Transatlantic Quad Foreign Ministers US Dept. of State 15 Feb 2022
Readout of President Biden's Call with President Emmanuel Macron of France The White House 15 Feb 2022
Readout of Under Secretary of Defense for Policy Dr. Colin Kahl Virtual Quad Meeting with France, Germany, and the UK DoD 14 Feb 2022
French Foreign Minister Says Nothing Points to Moscow's Decision to Invade Ukraine Sputnik 14 Feb 2022 -- French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves le Drian on Monday said that while there is evidence for a possible Russian incursion into Ukraine, there is no indication that Moscow has made a decision of this sort.
Putin, Macron discuss security guarantees, Ukraine over phone People's Daily 13 Feb 2022 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin and French President Emmanuel Macron held a phone conversation on Saturday on how to overcome the stalemate in settling the intra-Ukrainian conflict, said the Kremlin.
Telephone conversation with President of France Emmanuel Macron President of Russia 12 Feb 2022 -- Vladimir Putin had a telephone conversation with President of the French Republic Emmanuel Macron at the French side's initiative.
Deputy Secretary Sherman's Call with French Foreign Ministry Secretary General Delattre US Dept. of State 11 Feb 2022
Secretary Blinken's Call with French Foreign Minister Le Drian US Dept. of State 10 Feb 2022
Finlandization' For Ukraine? Macron's Reported Comment Hits A Nerve In Kyiv, Stirs Up Bad Memories In Helsinki RFE/RL 10 Feb 2022 -- Three years after the end of World War II, Finland, which had stunned the mighty Red Army at the opening of the war, signed a treaty with its eastern neighbor. With the cement hardening on a Cold War Europe divided between East and West, the deal fixed Helsinki's neutrality in place, kept it out of a nascent NATO, and affected Finnish politics for decades.
Backlash to Macron's Ukraine Proposals Builds VOA 09 Feb 2022 -- French President Emmanuel Macron is pursuing a poisoned peace plan, say critics in Europe, who fear the outcome of his talks this week with Russian President Vladimir Putin could be to strengthen Moscow's hand in the crisis over Ukraine.
France, Germany mediating in Ukraine crisis through shuttle diplomacy People's Daily 09 Feb 2022 -- France, which is holding the rotating presidency of the Council of the European Union, and its ally Germany have been engaged in shuttle diplomacy, trying to de-escalate the Ukraine crisis.
Readout of President Joseph R. Biden, Jr.'s Call with President Emmanuel Macron of France The White House 09 Feb 2022
Ukrainian, French leaders discuss Ukraine's peace process People's Daily 09 Feb 2022 -- Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and French President Emmanuel Macron met on Tuesday to discuss the peace process aimed at resolving the crisis in and around Ukraine, Zelensky's press service reported.
Mali's PM Accuses France of 'De Facto Partition'; Says Operation Barkhane Helped Terrorists Regroup Sputnik 08 Feb 2022 -- Malian Prime Minister Choguel Kokalla Maïga has renewed his accusation that the French intervention in his country helped terrorist groups in the north to regroup, further deepening the row between Mali and its former colonial ruler.
Mali's Prime Minister Accuses France, Europe of Seeking to Divide Country VOA 08 Feb 2022 -- Mali's interim prime minister has accused France of using its military mission there against Islamist militants to divide the African country.
France's Macron Claims Progress in Ukraine-Russia Crisis, but Kyiv Remains Skeptical VOA 08 Feb 2022 -- French President Emmanuel Macron said Tuesday there is an opportunity for further negotiations to de-escalate the crisis on the Ukraine-Russian border, after talks with his Ukrainian counterpart, President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, in Kyiv.
Macron Sees A Path Forward In Ukraine Crisis, But Says It May Take Months RFE/RL 08 Feb 2022 -- French President Emmanuel Macron has indicated that - while resolving the standoff over Moscow's troop buildup near the border with Ukraine could take months - there is room for progress after he held talks with both the Russian and Ukrainian leaders.
Macron Says Talks With Putin Helped Avoid Further Escalation on Ukraine Issue Sputnik 08 Feb 2022 -- The French president arrived in Moscow on Monday to meet his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin in order to discuss Russia-EU and Russia-NATO relations amid the crisis in Ukraine.
Macron: Resolution of Ukraine crisis may 'take time' as security guarantee row persists Press TV 08 Feb 2022 -- French President Emmanuel Macron says the resolution of the Ukraine crisis may take months, after he held talks with Moscow and Kiev over the escalating tensions between the two sides.
Macron: It Could Take Months to Resolve Ukraine Crisis VOA 08 Feb 2022 -- French President Emmanuel Macron said Tuesday it could take months to resolve the crisis stemming from Russia massing 130,000 troops along its border with Ukraine.
News conference following Russian-French talks President of Russia 08 Feb 2022 -- President of Russia Vladimir Putin:
Talks with President of France Emmanuel Macron President of Russia 07 Feb 2022 -- Vladimir Putin held talks with President of the French Republic Emmanuel Macron at the Kremlin.
American, French, Italian Carrier Strike Groups Sail Together in the Mediterranean Sea US Navy 07 Feb 2022 -- Naval forces from France, Italy and the U.S. sailed together while conducting naval training in the Mediterranean Sea, Feb. 6-7.
Macron, Putin Meeting on Ukraine Crisis VOA 07 Feb 2022 -- French President Emmanuel Macron was meeting in Moscow with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Monday, trying to curb the threat of a Russian invasion of Ukraine, but the Kremlin said in advance it does not expect any immediate resolution of its stalemate with the West.
Macron meets Putin in Moscow, says he seeks to 'avoid war' amid Ukraine tensions Press TV 07 Feb 2022 -- French President Emmanuel Macron has expressed hope that discussions with his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin could lead to easing of tensions over Ukraine, amid Western allegations that Moscow is preparing for an invasion of its neighboring country.
No major breakthroughs expected from Putin-Macron meeting: Kremlin spokesman Press TV 07 Feb 2022 -- Moscow says it expects no major breakthroughs from a forthcoming meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and his French counterpart, Emmanuel Macron, stressing that the talks are nonetheless very important in resolving tensions over Ukraine.
Macron Flies to Moscow Claiming His Diplomacy Will End Ukraine Crisis VOA 06 Feb 2022 -- French President Emmanuel Macron Sunday downplayed the likelihood of a Russian invasion of Ukraine, saying in a newspaper interview that the massing of Russian forces on Ukrainian borders is likely part of a wider Kremlin strategy to secure Western concessions rather than a prelude to a full-scale offensive.
Secretary Blinken's Call with French Foreign Minister Le Drian US Dept. of State 06 Feb 2022
Readout of President Joseph R. Biden, Jr.'s Call with President Emmanuel Macron of France The White House 06 Feb 2022
France to provide arms support to UAE amid devastating Saudi-led war Press TV 05 Feb 2022 -- France says it will provide the United Arab Emirates with military support, specifically to boost its air defense system, amid an escalation in Yemen's counterattacks against the Persian Gulf country.
Telephone conversation with President of France Emmanuel Macron President of Russia 03 Feb 2022 -- Vladimir Putin had a telephone conversation with President of the French Republic Emmanuel Macron at the latter's initiative.
Some Coronavirus Restrictions to Be Lifted in France From February 2 Sputnik 02 Feb 2022 -- The first phase of lifting coronavirus-related restrictions begins in France on Wednesday due to the improvement of the COVID-19 situation.
French FM says no sign of Russia action in Ukraine Press TV 02 Feb 2022 -- French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian has spoken against US insistence that Russia is set to invade neighboring Ukraine, saying there are no current indications to that effect, as more Europeans move to avert another US-led row with Moscow.
Readout of President Joseph R. Biden, Jr.'s Call with President Emmanuel Macron of France The White House 02 Feb 2022
E3 statement on North Korea: 2 February 2022 UK FCDO 02 Feb 2022 -- Joint statement by the governments of the UK, France and Germany on North Korean missile tests.
Mali Expels French Ambassador Amid Tensions VOA 01 Feb 2022 -- Tensions between Mali and former colonial power France have hit a new low with the military government giving the French ambassador until Thursday to leave the country. Annie Risemberg speaks to analysts about where relations are headed in this report from Mali's capital, Bamako.

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February 2022 - France Special Weapons News