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Military operation in Ukraine

Ukraine’s counteroffensive to last for weeks or months — Macron

He reiterated commitment to the long-term support for Kiev and expressed the hope that the Ukrainian army’s offensive operations will be successful as "the transition to the phase of talks in favorable conditions" will depend on that

French President Emmanuel Macron Carl Court, Pool via AP

French President Emmanuel Macron

© Carl Court, Pool via AP

PARIS, June 12. /TASS/. Ukraine’s counteroffensive will last for several weeks or months and France hopes that it will help create conditions for future peace talks, French President Emmanuel Macron told a news conference on Monday.

"Ukraine’s counteroffensive began several days ago. It has been thoroughly planned," he said. "This counteroffensive will last for several weeks or months. We did our best to help it happen within the frames outlined by us since the conflict beginning: to punish Russia in order to stop its military effort, to help Ukraine resist and win back its territory, but to never attack Russia and avoid any forms of escalation of this conflict."

He reiterated commitment to the long-term support for Kiev and expressed the hope that the Ukrainian army’s offensive operations will be successful as "the transition to the phase of talks in favorable conditions" will depend on that.

"It is clear today that Ukraine will not be conquered, that the only peace that is acceptable today is the one which is based on international law and the sovereign choice of the Ukrainian people," he stressed. "Our enduring support for Ukraine must continue for a long time, be it political, military, economic, humanitarian assistance or assistance linked with [Ukraine’] restoration.".

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Military operation in Ukraine

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