International

France summons Russian ambassador over attacks, disinformation in Ukraine

Tensions rose between France and Russia on Monday, February 5th, 2024, as the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs summoned Russia's Ambassador to France, Aleksei Meșkov, news.ro reports.

This action addressed two key concerns: deadly attacks in Ukraine that killed two French humanitarian workers and a growing campaign of Russian disinformation targeting France.

France strongly condemned the recent attacks in Ukraine, which claimed the lives of two French aid workers and injured three others. "A barbaric act by Moscow," declared the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The incident occurred in the Ukrainian city of Berislav on Thursday, February 2nd.

Beyond the condemnation, France also denounced a "disinformation campaign" aimed at the country. This move followed the French Ministry of Defense uncovering a "coordinated manoeuvre" by Russia to spread false information about France.

These events further strained relations between the two nations. Moscow had previously accused France of a "military frenzy" after Paris announced plans to send additional weapons to Ukraine.

This isn't the first time Meșkov has been summoned to the Quai d'Orsay. In 2022, then-Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian summoned the ambassador after the Russian Embassy in France posted an "indecent" message regarding atrocities committed in Bucha.

The summoning of the Russian ambassador signifies France's growing frustration with Russia's actions in Ukraine, particularly its campaign of disinformation and attacks on humanitarian workers. This incident also highlights France's commitment to supporting Ukraine and upholding the rules-based international order.

Translation by Iurie Tataru

Bogdan Nigai

Bogdan Nigai

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