Ukraine – Massive new Russian missile strikes (February 10, 2023)

France condemns in the strongest possible terms the latest Russian missile strikes against Ukraine, particularly in the Kharkiv and Zaporizhzhia regions. As President Macron reiterated when he welcomed President Zelenskyy and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz yesterday, Ukraine can count on France’s unwavering support.

These strikes have once again deliberately targeted residential buildings and civilian infrastructure. This systematic targeting of Ukraine’s civilian infrastructure highlights Russia’s clear desire to continue escalating its war of aggression in Ukraine.

As Minister Catherine Colonna has emphasized, these unacceptable acts constitute war crimes and cannot go unpunished. France will continue to stand by the Ukrainian courts and the International Criminal Court in combating impunity for such crimes. It will also continue its military and civilian support in order to strengthen Ukraine’s resilience for as long as necessary.

Burkina Faso – France condemns the attack on Burkinabe humanitarian workers (February 8, 2023)

Following a deadly attack on February 8 in northwestern Burkina Faso, France was saddened to learn of the death of two Burkinabe humanitarian workers from Doctors Without Borders. We offer our condolences to the victims’ families and loved ones, and to their colleagues.

France commends the bravery and dedication of all humanitarian and health workers. We will continue to call for their safety to be fully respected worldwide, in accordance with international humanitarian law, and for them to be guaranteed free, safe and total humanitarian access.

Q&A

Yesterday the French Senate recognized the Assyrian-Chaldean genocide of 1915-1918. What consequences will that have?

Under the separation of powers, the decision to include this topic on the agenda and to vote on this resolution is the Senate’s alone. It does not implicate the Government, whose position was expressed on Wednesday by Olivier Becht, Minister Delegate for Foreign Trade, Economic Attractiveness and French Nationals Abroad, attached to the Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs.