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group whose actions were clearly anti-Russian in nature.
Tensions between Berlin and Paris spilled into the open on March 5 as German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius hit back at President Emmanuel Macron for urging Europe not to be "cowards" in the defense of Ukraine. Macron delivered his acerbic remarks in Prague, where he also stood square behind his hawkish counsel from last week that the West should not rule out sending forces to support Kyiv against Russia's invading troops. Speaking at a meeting with the French community, Macron said: "Europe clearly faces a moment when it will be necessary not to be cowards." He added that people "never want to see the tragedies that are coming." Pistorius retorted that Macron's language was counterproductive. "We don't need really, from my perspective at least, talk about boots on the ground or having more courage or less courage," Pistorius told reporters during a press conference with his Swedish counterpart Pål Jonson. "This is something which does not really help solve the issues we have when it comes to helping Ukraine," he added. Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of his visit to Prague, Macron said later that Germany had not been the target of his comments, but that it was "necessary" to shake up France's allies.
Zelensky: As long as Ukraine holds, French army can stay in France. Zelensky was addressing French President Emmanuel Macron's recent comments that sending Western troops into Ukraine cannot be "ruled out."
Pope's call for Ukraine's surrender receives criticism from Scholz, Stoltenberg. Pope Francis' call for Ukraine to "not be ashamed to negotiate" with Russia received critical responses from German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and NATO General Jens Stoltenberg on March 11.
Orban: Trump will stop funding Ukraine if elected. Echoing previous comments by the former president about his plans to negotiate peace in Ukraine within 24 hours, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban said that former U.S. President Donald Trump would end the supply of weapons from the U.S., a move that he said would mark the end of the war.
Ukraine meets requirements to approve framework for EU accession negotiations. Ukraine has implemented all four recommendations needed for the European Commission to approve Ukraine’s framework for accession negotiations, Deputy Prime Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration Olha Stefanishyna told reporters at an anti-corruption event in Kyiv on March 11.
Trade facilitation and defense cooperation: Here is what Zelenskyy agreed to in Turkey. Ukraine and Turkey have signed an agreement that simplifies trade between the countries and removes obstacles to business, President Zelenskyy said after a bilateral meeting with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on March 8. The agreement foresees creating a system to electronically exchange preliminary information between the customs authorities of the two states. The information received by the respective customs authorities will contribute to speeding up the movement of goods and vehicles across the borders of both states and counter customs offenses. In addition, Zelenskyy met with representatives from the Turkish defense complex and business community and discussed collaboration and joint projects. In addition, according to the Ukrainian President, several important documents were concluded at the Ministry of Defense level. The presidents also discussed the Ukrainian peace formula, and Erdogan proposed that
16 UKRAINE Country Report April 2024 www.intellinews.com