NOVEMBER 20, 2024
"Macron Must Act: Time to Call Putin" Says Rassemblement National Spokesman
Laurent Jacobelli, spokesperson for France’s Rassemblement National party, has urged President Emmanuel Macron to open direct lines of communication with Russian President Vladimir Putin, emphasizing the need for diplomacy to de-escalate the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
“To achieve peace, one must engage with adversaries,” Jacobelli said in an interview with Franceinfo. He called on Macron to take a proactive role, stating, “We expect the President of the French Republic to pick up the phone and reach out to Putin.”
Jacobelli criticized recent developments in the conflict, pointing to U.S. President Joe Biden’s authorization of long-range missile supplies to Kyiv as a turning point. "This move shifts the nature of the conflict," he warned. "Escalation is never the answer. Neither is deadlock. Our collective goal must remain peace."
Macron's Credibility Questioned
The Rassemblement National spokesperson also expressed frustration with Macron’s current approach, suggesting the French leader is losing relevance on the international stage. "No one sees Emmanuel Macron as a credible interlocutor anymore," Jacobelli claimed.
He highlighted the actions of other leaders, such as German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, who recently engaged in direct talks with Putin. “We have seen Zelensky and Scholz call for diplomacy. It’s time for Macron to do the same,” Jacobelli concluded, underscoring the urgent need for renewed French leadership in peace negotiations.
Putin Revises Russia’s Nuclear Doctrine in Response to U.S. Missile Support for Ukraine
In a significant shift, Russian President Vladimir Putin has amended the country’s nuclear doctrine, expanding the circumstances under which Moscow might deploy nuclear weapons. The move comes as a direct response to the United States authorizing Ukraine to use American-supplied long-range missiles to strike Russian targets.
The updated doctrine introduces a controversial provision: Russia can now use nuclear weapons against non-nuclear-armed nations if they launch attacks on Russia with the backing of a nuclear power. This marks a departure from previous rules, which restricted nuclear retaliation solely to confrontations involving nuclear-armed adversaries. Putin formalized the change through a decree, signaling a more aggressive posture in the face of what the Kremlin views as escalating threats.
Broader Justifications for Nuclear Use
The revised doctrine outlines several scenarios under which Russia might consider using nuclear weapons. These include:
Large-scale conventional attacks involving missiles or airstrikes against Russian territory. Massive deployments of enemy forces, including aircraft and missile systems. Strikingly, an attack on Belarus—Russia’s key ally—could also trigger a nuclear response, further intertwining the two countries' military fates. This inclusion highlights Moscow’s commitment to defending Belarus as tensions in Eastern Europe remain high.
A Strategic Signal to the West
Analysts interpret the adjustments as both a practical and symbolic response to Western actions, particularly the provision of advanced weaponry to Ukraine. The Kremlin has framed the changes as necessary to counter what it perceives as growing threats from NATO-aligned nations. However, critics warn that these revisions lower the threshold for nuclear engagement, heightening the risks of a broader conflict.
The announcement underscores the deepening rift between Moscow and the West, with each side continuing to escalate in a cycle of action and counteraction.
Read More
World Leaders Resist Starmer’s Call for Unified Support on Ukraine as Tensions Escalate
World leaders rebuffed Sir Keir Starmer's call for a robust show of support for Ukraine at the G20 summit in Rio de Janeiro, opting instead for a diluted statement that failed to condemn Russia. This comes as Russian President Vladimir Putin intensified nuclear rhetoric, signaling a potential escalation in the conflict.
Marking the 1,000th day of the war, Starmer urged G20 leaders to "double down" on their backing for Ukraine. However, efforts to rally support were undermined by Russian lobbying of key nations, including China, India, and Brazil. The resulting communiqué made a neutral plea for a "just and durable peace" without naming Russia as the aggressor. Downing Street labeled the outcome as “disappointing but not unexpected,” reflecting the challenges of uniting a group that includes nations sympathetic to Moscow. Starmer acknowledged the difficulty of persuading such a diverse coalition to issue a stronger condemnation.
Moscow’s Nuclear Doctrine Raises Alarms
As diplomatic efforts faltered, Russia announced alarming changes to its nuclear doctrine. The Kremlin now reserves the right to use nuclear weapons against non-nuclear states if they attack Russia with support from nuclear powers like the U.S., Britain, or France. This marks a significant escalation in nuclear posturing. Sir Keir Starmer condemned the rhetoric as “irresponsible,” reiterating that it would not deter Western support for Ukraine. Meanwhile, tensions heightened as Ukraine launched U.S.-supplied long-range missiles at targets in Russia's Bryansk region, a move confirmed by U.S. officials. The strike followed President Joe Biden’s controversial decision to lift restrictions on such attacks.
North Korea’s Role and the Trump Factor
North Korea’s reported deployment of thousands of troops to support Russian forces has further complicated the conflict. The move is viewed by Britain and the U.S. as a dangerous escalation by Putin, who is allegedly racing to gain territorial advantages in Ukraine ahead of a potential return to power by Donald Trump. Trump has claimed he could resolve the conflict “in a day,” raising fears he may pressure Ukraine to agree to unfavorable terms. Britain is also considering allowing Ukraine to use Storm Shadow missiles against Russian targets, pending Biden’s approval to lift a veto on their use. Starmer reiterated his support, declaring, “Ukraine must have what it needs for as long as it needs – Putin must not win this war.”
Diplomatic Setback at the G20
he summit’s failure to strongly back Ukraine represents a diplomatic blow for Starmer, who had prioritized securing firm support from G20 nations. His efforts to include language identifying Russia as the "sole obstacle" to peace and affirming "unwavering support" for Ukraine were stripped from the final statement. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, excluded from the summit, expressed frustration with the lack of a decisive stance. “Did they say something? Nothing,” he lamented, accusing world leaders of inaction as Russia threatens nuclear escalation. Despite the setback, Starmer found some allies, including Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, with whom he held private discussions. However, the neutral tone of the G20 statement highlights the ongoing challenge of rallying global consensus in the face of Russia’s aggression and growing international divisions. A No. 10 spokesperson remarked, “The G20 includes a range of countries with differing views, including representatives of the Russian government. While disappointing, this outcome was not unexpected.” The U.K. pointed to a recent G7 statement reaffirming steadfast support for Ukraine as a more accurate reflection of allied unity. As global leaders grapple with fractured alliances and escalating threats, the path to peace in Ukraine remains as contentious as ever.
Read More
Leave a Comment