The Russia-Ukraine conflict has entered 2024, and all parties around the world are watching the direction and impact of this war. Russia** Putin has expressed the hope that the conflict will end as soon as possible and peace and stability will be restored. However, the situation of war is not controlled by human will, but by a variety of complex factors. The recent crash of a Russian transport plane that killed 74 people has made the prospects for peace talks between Russia and Ukraine even more diminishing, and has also caused a serious rift in relations between Russia and France.
According to reports, on the afternoon of January 24, an Il-76 transport plane crashed in Belgoro Oblast, Russia, killing all 74 people on board, including 65 captured Ukrainian soldiers. The Ukrainian soldiers were originally released by Russia in accordance with a previously concluded prisoner exchange agreement. The incident dealt a serious blow to the trust between Russia and Ukraine, and also brought the prisoner exchange agreement to an impasse. Russian officials said it was a terrorist attack, blaming the Main Intelligence Directorate of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine for the incident and claiming that there was evidence that two missiles were fired from Ukrainian-controlled territory that hit the Il-76 aircraft.
On the evening of January 26, when he met with the university students of the special military operation, Putin made a bombshell statement on the matter for the first time, condemning it as a "despicable" case and promising to publish all the details of this crime to let the Ukrainian people know the truth. Putin also revealed that according to the technical survey of the scene, it has been confirmed that it was an anti-aircraft missile that shot down the Il-76 plane, and it is likely to be the American Patriot system or the European air defense system, which is more likely to be French. Putin said that he would give an accurate answer in two or three days.
Putin's remarks are undoubtedly a strong accusation against France and a serious challenge to Russia's relations with France. In fact, relations between Russia and France have deteriorated markedly in recent times. A week ago, 60 French mercenaries were killed in a precise Russian missile strike at the Harsev mercenary hotel. These French mercenaries joined the Ukrainian battlefield with the tacit consent of the French ** Macron to provide support for the Ukrainian ** army. Russia expressed strong dissatisfaction with this, believing that France was interfering in the Russian-Ukrainian conflict and undermining the peace process.
France, the leader of Europe and a permanent member of the UN Security Council, is an important communication partner and an influential partner for Russia. Russia has always had a certain respect and goodwill towards France, especially some of France's historic decisions during the Charles de Gaulle period, such as the development of nuclear **, withdrawal from NATO, and the establishment of full diplomatic relations with China. Russia also expressed appreciation for France's statement on strengthening Europe's strategic autonomy and hoped that France could play an active role in the Russia-Ukraine conflict and promote dialogue and negotiations.
However, the reality has disappointed and even angered Russia. Not only has France not maintained a neutral and balanced position in the Russia-Ukraine conflict, but has become more and more inclined to support Ukraine and even participate in the war. France has also not constrained the hostile attitude of countries such as Germany and Britain towards Russia within the EU, but has formed a consistent strategy with them. France seems to be drawing a line with Russia, even confronting it.
This attitude makes Russia feel incomprehensible and unacceptable. Russia believes that France is betraying Russia's trust and European interests. Russia believes that France is pandering to the will of the United States, as well as to the ambitions of Ukraine. Russia believes that France is provoking a new Cold War and a new crisis.
The deterioration of relations between Russia and France is undoubtedly a complication of the Russia-Ukraine war situation and a threat to global peace. Trust between Russia and France has broken down, cooperation has been interrupted, confrontation has begun. This means that the resolution of the Russia-Ukraine conflict will be more difficult, and the hope for peace will be even more slim. Russia will face more pressure and will face greater challenges.
In this case, Russia's statement is particularly meaningful. Russia spoke highly of the balanced position of the Eastern powers on the Ukraine issue, as well as China's willingness to contribute to the search for a diplomatic solution to the crisis. Russia*** also claims that the Eastern partners maintain an objective attitude towards the events taking place in the theater of operations, based on an impartial analysis of history, as well as a principled assessment of the current stage of the conflict and the role of Western powers, especially the United States, in aggravating the situation in the region.
It's a clear signal and a clear choice. Russia is expressing its gratitude and expectations to the great powers of the East, especially China.
China is a representative of the great powers of the East and a strategic partner of Russia, for which China is a reliable friend and a strong supporter. China has always maintained a rational and fair attitude in the Russia-Ukraine conflict, and has neither interfered in the internal affairs of Russia and Ukraine, nor supported the unilateral actions of either side. China stands for seeking a political solution and maintaining regional peace and stability through dialogue and negotiation, in accordance with international law and basic norms governing international relations, respecting the legitimate rights and interests of all parties.
China is also making positive contributions to the de-escalation and reconciliation of the Russia-Ukraine conflict. China has not only played a constructive role in the UN Security Council, but has also effectively communicated and coordinated with all parties at the bilateral and multilateral levels. China has also provided humanitarian assistance to both Russia and Ukraine to help them cope with the disasters and hardships caused by the war. China has also actively participated in the observer mission of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), providing strength and confidence in monitoring and implementing the ceasefire agreement.
China's stance and deeds have won Russia's high appreciation and trust. Russia believes that China is a true friend and a true partner. Russia believes that China is a country that understands and supports Russia, and is also a country that works with Russia to safeguard world peace and justice. Russia expects that China will continue to play an important role in the Russia-Ukraine conflict and provide more wisdom and strength to promote peace and cooperation.
The good relations between Russia and China are undoubtedly a kind of stability for the war between Russia and Ukraine, and also a guarantee for global peace. Trust between Russia and China has been established, cooperation has deepened, and friendship has been strengthened. This means that there will be more possibilities for the resolution of the Russian-Ukrainian conflict, and there will be more impetus for the hope of peace. Russia will have more confidence and will have more opportunities.
In conclusion, the Russia-Ukraine conflict is a complex war that involves the interests and influences of many parties. Russia, as the main participant, is facing enormous challenges and pressures. Russia needs effective communication and consultation with all parties to seek peace and compromise. Russia also needs to maintain close ties and cooperation with true friends and partners to jointly respond to crises and risks. The deterioration of relations between Russia and France is a pity and a danger. The good relations between Russia and China are a kind of luck and hope. Russia should cherish and consolidate its relations with China and make greater contributions to the peaceful resolution of the Russia-Ukraine conflict and to global peace and development.