Blinken dials France's FM over Moscow's 'brutal war'; extends support to Ukraine

US State Secretary Antony Blinken held a telephonic conversation with his French counterpart Jean-Yves Le Drian on Wednesday. During conversation both leers discussed Russia’s "unprovoked" and "brutal" war against Ukraine- which is now nearing its ninth week. Bolstering security assistance to Ukrainian army and ditional measures to hold Russian President Vlimir Putin accountable for crimes committed in last three months topped agenda, as per a reout of conversation released by US State Department. 

American officials also congratulated French residents on holding successful elections on April 24. Sunday's run-off witnessed centrist leer Emmanuel Macron winning a second term against rightist Marine Le Pen. “(We) welcome continued close cooperation and strong ties with President Macron," Blinken s

Meanwhile, both leers also talked about intensifying support for North Macedonia and Albania on ir part to ascend to European Union (EU). Both Balkan states have been official candidates for accession to 27 member bloc since 2004. It is pertinent to note that earlier last week, Ukraine also submitted its questionnaire to become a member of European bloc.

What is happening in Ukraine?

As war continued for 66th day, Russian troops have stepped up ir attacks in western part of Ukraine, sabotaging supply lines and crucial infrastructure. While attacks and counterattacks in eastern Donbas region have caught worldwide attention, Moscow has waged a seemingly invisible war in Ukraine’s west including on a deep-rooted railway network, fuel depots and a critical bridge. Notably, western region plays an irreplaceable role not in linking western countries to Ukraine but also in running its economy.

Speaking to Guardian, a Ukrainian military official monitoring infrastructure attacks said that Russian attacks aim at slowing supplies of arms and military supplies to country. “It is my opinion that y didn’t believe west will give Ukraine necessary heavy weapon supplies so now process is started, y feel y need to do something about that, he said, ding, “Because western weapons and Ukrainian combat experience combined give us a big vantage.” region is also critical for Ukraine's exports. 

(Image: AP)