Tension is growing on the border between Russia and Ukraine. While everyone fears the worst without really expecting it, French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian believes that “all the elements” were in place for a “strong” Russian military offensive in Ukraine.
Speaking Monday evening on the France 5 channel, Le Drian wondered: “Are there all the elements for a strong offensive by Russian forces in Ukraine? “, before answering: Yes it is true, it is possible there, it is possible quickly”.
In a more direct way, the Minister declared: “This is what hangs in our face”, affirming however not to have “at this hour” indications of an imminent intervention of Russia.
“There is hot and cold (…) to say that there is still a diplomatic solution, yes that’s for sure,” he added, as President Putin prepares to receive the German Chancellor Olaf Scholz.
Russia deemed possible on Monday a diplomatic settlement of the Russian-Western crisis around Ukraine and announced the end of certain military maneuvers, when the fear of an imminent invasion reached its peak.
France has not yet called on its thousand nationals in Ukraine to leave the country, unlike other allies. But families of embassy staff wishing to “return” can do so, Le Drian said.
