In response to comments made by French Minister of Europe and Foreign Affairs Stephane Sejourne, Russia has summoned the French ambassador. Sejourne’s remarks implied that Paris was unwilling to engage in dialogue with Moscow due to what he described as false information in statements from Russian officials.
Russian Reaction
The Russian foreign ministry condemned Sejourne’s comments, alleging that they were a deliberate attempt by France to sabotage any possibility of dialogue between the two nations. This reaction highlights escalating tensions between Russia and France.
Rare Phone Call
The diplomatic tension follows a rare phone call between French Defence Minister Sebastien Lecornu and his Russian counterpart Sergei Shoigu regarding a recent deadly attack on a Moscow concert hall. The French defence ministry conveyed France’s readiness to combat terrorism further, but Russia responded with skepticism, implying French involvement in the attack.
French Stance
Sejourne’s statements to French broadcasters emphasized France’s current lack of interest in engaging with Russian officials, citing concerns about the veracity of Russian statements. He suggested that trust and a favorable military situation in Ukraine would be prerequisites for renewing relations, neither of which are currently evident.
Ongoing Investigation
Russia has accused multiple countries, including the UK and Ukraine, of involvement in the attack, which claimed over 100 lives. Despite Islamic State’s claim of responsibility through its Afghan offshoot, the situation remains complex, with diplomatic tensions adding layers of complication to the ongoing investigation.
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Credit : Doris Chinwe Omemgbeoji