Zelensky’s Legitimacy and Critique of Putin
President Volodymyr Zelensky emphasized that his legitimacy is recognized by the Ukrainian people, not by Russian President Vladimir Putin, during a joint news conference with France’s President Emmanuel Macron in Paris on Friday.
“President Zelensky’s legitimacy is recognized by the people of Ukraine only; he is elected by the people of Ukraine. I am very grateful for the support,” he stated, referring to himself in the third person. “Our people are free. To be honest, that’s what we are fighting for (freedom). Comrade Putin’s legitimacy is recognized only by Comrade Putin himself. Putin elects himself. Russian people are just a decoration; they only have one actor,” Zelensky said, referencing Putin’s recent overwhelming win in Russia’s presidential election, which was widely considered a foregone conclusion.
If martial law had not been imposed, Ukraine’s next presidential election would have been held in March 2024, and Zelensky’s first term would have ended in May. Putin’s comments dismissed Ukraine’s Martial Law Act, introduced after Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022, which remains in place and explicitly bans elections during wartime.
Summit on Peace in Ukraine
Zelensky also commented on the upcoming Summit on Peace in Ukraine, scheduled for June 15-16 in Switzerland. He called on world leaders to participate in person and demonstrate that they “are not afraid” of Russia.
“It is definitely a step toward the end of the war – to show that the whole world is on the side of ending the war, that the whole world wants it and helps Ukraine as much as possible to bring peace closer. A just peace, it is very important that it must be a just and stable peace, not for an hour, a month, or a year, but ideally forever,” the Ukrainian leader said.
France to Train Ukrainian Pilots
In related news, France will begin training Ukrainian pilots and mechanics on the Mirage 2000-5 fighter jet “in the coming days,” French President Emmanuel Macron announced on Friday. Macron did not provide additional details on the number and source of the jets France plans to send to Ukraine, citing “efficiency” and less notice to enemies. The training will take place in France.
Pressed for details on whether France will deploy military instructors to Ukraine, Macron stated there were still “no taboos” about doing so but emphasized that France would send about 20 technical experts from different ministries to help Kyiv integrate with European Union standards.
US President Biden’s Stand for Democracy
US President Joe Biden made a sweeping pledge for democracy on Friday against the backdrop of Ukraine’s struggle against Russia’s invasion. His speech came as Western leaders commemorated the largest operation by Allied forces against Nazi Germany during World War II, drawing parallels between the actions of veterans and Kyiv’s forces today.
Key Developments:
- Biden’s Speech on Democracy: Biden spoke about democracy at the 80th anniversary of D-Day in Normandy, France, invoking the sacrifices of US World War II veterans to oppose Russian President Vladimir Putin’s aggression.
- Zelensky’s Plea to Europe: In France, Zelensky warned of the return of fascism in Europe and highlighted the high civilian deaths in Ukraine due to Russia’s attacks.
- Civilian Casualties: The UN recorded the highest monthly number of civilian casualties in nearly a year in Ukraine, attributing the rise to Russia’s use of “air-dropped bombs and missiles” in Kharkiv.
- Destruction of Ukraine’s Energy Infrastructure: Civilians face rolling emergency blackouts due to Russian strikes on critical systems, with 24 Russian attacks on energy facilities recorded in May.
- Putin’s Statements: Russian President Putin claimed Russia has “many more” nuclear bombs than the US and Europe but dismissed the need to discuss nuclear war. He also hinted at Russia’s willingness to consider peace talks but accused the West of deception.
Putin’s Stance on Weapon Supplies
During the Saint Petersburg International Economic Forum, Putin stated that Russia is not currently supplying weapons to other countries in response to Western weapon deliveries to Ukraine but reserved the right to do so in the future.
Energy Conservation Measures in Ukraine
Ukrainian authorities have implemented measures to reduce electricity consumption due to the historic low energy capacity caused by Russian attacks on infrastructure. This includes halting the use of air conditioning and limiting street lighting.
Putin on Peace Agreements
Putin reiterated that “all armed conflicts end with certain peace agreements” and accused the West of deception in peace talks. He emphasized that Russia must seek conditions reliable and corresponding to its interests, hinting at past negotiations that fell apart.
Biden Honors D-Day Veterans
During his speech at Pointe du Hoc, Biden honored WWII veterans, stressing the importance of democracy and warning against isolationism. He highlighted the bravery of soldiers who scaled cliffs to attack Nazi positions and drew parallels to current challenges in defending democracy. Biden paid tribute to Private First Class John Wardell, who served in the Battle of Brest and was wounded in Germany. He emphasized the ongoing responsibility to protect freedom and stand up to aggression.
UN Reports High Civilian Deaths in Ukraine
The UN Human Rights Monitoring Mission in Ukraine reported the highest monthly number of civilian casualties in nearly a year, largely due to Russia’s offensive in Kharkiv. The mission highlighted recent deadly attacks in the region and underscored the vulnerability of civilians.
Biden Apologizes for Aid Delays
Biden apologized to Zelensky for delays in passing a new military aid package due to opposition in Congress. He announced a new aid package and reiterated the US commitment to supporting Ukraine.
Biden and Macron in Paris
French President Emmanuel Macron hosted U.S. President Joe Biden during an official state dinner at the Presidential Elysee Palace in Paris on June 8. Biden restated his “strong” support for Kyiv in its fight against the Russian invasion and warned that the Kremlin will not stop at Ukraine should it succeed with its aggression there.
Russian President Vladimir “Putin is not going to stop at Ukraine…. All of Europe will be threatened. We are not going to let that happen,” Biden said, standing alongside Macron. “The United States is standing strong with Ukraine. We will not — I say it again — walk away.”
Macron’s state visit with Biden was meant to highlight their strong partnership on global security issues.
Military Support and Developments in Ukraine
Kyiv has been pushing Europe to increase military support in recent weeks after Russia began gaining ground on the battlefield, particularly in Ukraine’s eastern Kharkiv region. However, White House National Security Council spokesman John Kirby noted on June 7 that because of a recent infusion of U.S. aid, the Ukrainians have been able to “thwart Russian advances,” particularly around Kharkiv.
Putin’s Readiness for Talks
Putin said earlier on June 7 in St. Petersburg that Russia is “ready for talks” with conditions, including taking into account the “realities of today” — an apparent reference to Russia’s illegal annexation of four regions in southeastern Ukraine and Crimea. The Kremlin leader claimed, however, that Europe is “defenseless” due to a lack of an early warning system. He said Russia has “many more” tactical nuclear weapons than there are on the European continent, “even if the United States brings theirs over.”
France and the US Pledge to Support Ukraine
On Friday, both Joe Biden and Emmanuel Macron met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Paris, pledging their support for Ukraine. During the meeting, Zelensky also expected “shoulder-to-shoulder” support from them.
The US president, 81, has been in France since Wednesday and took part in this week’s commemorations marking the 80th anniversary of the D-Day landings that changed the course of World War II. On Friday, Biden warned of the need to preserve American democracy and drew parallels between World War II and Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Later this year, Biden is set to face his Republican rival and predecessor Donald Trump in the presidential elections, which commentators predict will test US democracy significantly.
“We have shown the world again the power of allies and what we can achieve when we stand together,” said Biden, as per AFP. Trump has also expressed his lack of interest in international organizations including NATO.
Emmanuel Macron emphasized the unity with the US under Biden’s leadership and expressed gratitude, saying, “I thank you, Mr. President, for being the president of the world’s number one power but doing it with the loyalty of a partner who likes and respects the Europeans.”
Macron stated that Paris and Washington also shared the same vision of Iran, blaming Tehran for pursuing a “strategy of escalation at all levels.” “Our two countries are determined to exert the necessary pressure to stop this trend,” he said.
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