Alicia Alamillos is a journalist and fixer based in Madrid, Spain. Former Middle East correspondent for ABC newspaper, based in Cairo, Egypt. Former Subsaharan Africa correspondent and editor for EFE News Agency based in Nairobi, Kenya. With experience working for print, online and radio. Breaking ...

Spain summons Israeli chargé d'affaires over attacks on UN mission in Lebanon

11 Oct 2024  |  www.elconfidencial.com  |  Spanish  |  UN Peacekeeping

Spain has summoned the Israeli chargé d'affaires, Dan Poraz, to protest against the Israeli army's attacks on UN positions in Lebanon, which have injured several peacekeepers. This move aligns with similar actions by Italy and France, who have also condemned the attacks as unjustifiable and potential war crimes. The incidents have heightened tensions, with Israel accused of violating international law. The Spanish government, along with France and Italy, has issued a joint statement condemning the attacks and calling for their immediate cessation.

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French Government Israeli Army Spanish Government United Nations Italian Government

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Alhousseini Alhadji is a journalist, director of Jamana radio in Timbuktu, also regional coordinator of URTEL. He entered this radio station since 2003 just after graduating from his DEF with the children's show he hosted and continues to host today.
Since 2005 when he did his first training in ...

Mali in meltdown as militants advance and U.N. withdraws

03 Oct 2023  |  hot96.com  |  English  |  International Relations

Islamist militants in Mali have blockaded Timbuktu, cutting off road, river, and air access, and launched a series of attacks, including a bombing that killed two children. The situation has deteriorated since the U.N. began withdrawing its peacekeeping mission in July, with al Qaeda-affiliated militants and Tuareg rebels resuming hostilities. Mali's junta, which has severed ties with France and expelled U.N. forces, is struggling to contain the violence, leading to increased instability in the Sahel region. The Wagner Group's mercenaries have failed to fill the security gap, and the conflict has resulted in over 650 deaths in two months. The blockade has led to shortages and price hikes in Timbuktu, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis.

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Malian Army French Forces United Nations Coordination of Azawad Movements (CMA) Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wa al-Muslimin (JNIM)

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Richard Assheton has half a decade's experience reporting from across Europe, Africa and Asia for news brands including The Times, the Financial Times and the Guardian, covering global events and producing exclusive news and features. His subjects are not always easy interviews: he has sought out ...

Gabon coup leader Brice Nguema vows free, transparent elections

02 Oct 2023  |  www.thetimes.com  |  English  |  Corruption

Brice Nguema, the leader of the recent coup in Gabon, has promised free and transparent elections, describing the coup as a necessary action to prevent bloodshed. Nguema, related to the deposed president, aims to combat corruption and proposes a referendum for a new constitution. The coup has received mixed reactions, with local support but international concern. Meanwhile, Niger, also under military rule, is negotiating with Ecowas and considering the withdrawal of French troops.

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French Army Republican Guard Eccas Ecowas

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Michele Barbero is a senior journalist from Italy based in Paris. Excellent knowledge of Western politics, with particular focus on France, Italy, and Brussels. Available for articles (news or features) and for live hits (tv and radio).

Jean-Marie Le Pen Embodied France’s Dark Side

07 Jan 2025  |  Foreign Policy  |  English  |  Jean-Marie Le Pen

Jean-Marie Le Pen, founder of France's National Front, is remembered for his far-right politics and controversial rhetoric against immigrants and minorities. Despite initial marginalization, his party gained traction in the 1980s, appealing to working-class dissatisfaction. Le Pen's provocative statements and actions kept him in the spotlight, though he never achieved mainstream political power. His daughter, Marine Le Pen, later distanced the party from its extremist roots, leading to its current prominence in French politics. The article highlights the enduring influence of Le Pen's brand of populism across the West, with similar movements gaining ground in countries like Italy and the United States.

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French Army French Parliament National Front

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Vicenç Batalla is a journalist based in Lyon, France.

Saint-Étienne reborn as 'Armeville'

01 Oct 2023  |  www.elpuntavui.cat  |  Catalan  |  War in Ukraine

The former arms manufacturing hub of Saint-Étienne, once known as Armeville, is experiencing a resurgence in its military industry, driven partly by the war in Ukraine. The city, which faced economic decline due to the closure of mines and steelworks, is seeing renewed activity in arms production. Verney-Carron, a historic rifle manufacturer, has shifted focus towards military equipment and aims to balance its production between civilian and military clients. The French government has increased its defense budget, reflecting a broader European trend towards rearmament. The article highlights the economic and industrial revival in the region, supported by local and international defense demands.

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French Army NATO European Commission

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British freelance journalist based in Taipei, Taiwan and MPhil Candidate in Modern Chinese Studies at Oxford University. My reporting from Taipei has been featured in The Guardian, New Statesman, The Spectator, The Taipei Times and Los Angeles Review of Books.

Fighter jets and street markets: Taiwan’s daily dissonance as tensions with China ramp up

05 Oct 2021  |  www.newstatesman.com  |  English  |  China-Taiwan Relations

Taiwan experiences a daily dissonance as military tensions with China escalate, marked by frequent incursions by the Chinese People’s Liberation Army into Taiwan’s airspace. Despite the heightened military activity, life in Taipei remains largely normal, with the local population accustomed to the abstract threat of Chinese invasion. Internationally, Taiwan is gaining more diplomatic support, with notable actions from Japan, the EU, and visits from foreign dignitaries. Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen emphasizes Taiwan's growing global presence and resilience. The article underscores the psychological impact of China's grey warfare strategy and the complex geopolitical dynamics at play.

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French Senate People’s Liberation Army Taiwanese Military Chinese Communist Party EU Australian Government

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David Chazan is a journalist.

How French climbers rescued stranded British and American rivals

25 Oct 2024  |  www.thetimes.com  |  English  |  Mountaineering

French climbers from the French Army's elite mountaineering corps successfully rescued British and American climbers Michelle Manners and Dvorak, who were stranded on Chaukhamba III in India. Despite challenging conditions, including freezing temperatures and snowstorms, the French team, led by Lieutenant-Colonel Jacques-Olivier Chevallier, located the climbers after spotting a light on the mountainside. The rescue involved a dangerous trek and rappel, with the climbers eventually being brought to safety and evacuated by the Indian Air Force. Both the rescued climbers and their rescuers expressed gratitude and relief, although they were disappointed to abandon their summit attempts.

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French Army Indian Mountaineering Foundation Indian Air Force

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I am a journalist based in Dakar, Senegal who love to write about minorities, specially about women, and environment. I write for french newspapers and also for senegalese website but more than interested to develop others skills (radio for example) and ready to try new opportunities !
I also ...

Tirailleurs: beyond the tribute, a story at human level

03 Jan 2023  |  Le Point.fr  |  French  |  Cultural Memory

The film 'Tirailleurs' by Mathieu Vadepied, presented in Dakar, highlights the story of Senegalese soldiers forcibly recruited by the French army during World War I. It emphasizes the father-son relationship and the broader history of over 200,000 Senegalese soldiers. The film, mostly in the Peul language, aims to authentically portray the soldiers' experiences and the cultural memory of their contributions. The release has sparked reflections on historical recognition and the Franco-Senegalese connection, with positive reception from audiences and calls for greater acknowledgment of these soldiers' sacrifices.

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French Army

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Elaine Cobbe is a seasoned print and broadcast journalist based in Paris, France.
She is also a journalism trainer, and specialises in Journalism and Trauma - she is the France Country Contact for the Dart Center for Journalism and Trauma.

2024 Paris Olympics security challenges include 53 intercepted drones and 5,000 people barred from the Games

01 Aug 2024  |  www.cbsnews.com  |  English  |  Environmental Activism

The 2024 Paris Olympics have faced security challenges, including the interception of 53 drones and the barring of 5,000 individuals from the Games. French law enforcement and military forces have been mobilized to ensure safety, with significant deployments during the opening ceremony. Drones were intercepted for violating regulations, and 44 members of Extinction Rebellion were detained for suspected sabotage plans. The French army has prepared anti-drone measures, and foreign police officers have been brought in for additional support. Security checks have led to the exclusion of individuals with potential threats, including cyberattack plans.

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French army French law enforcement agencies Extinction Rebellion

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Sophie Douce is a journalist based in Paris, France. TV and print journalism.

Unprecedented explosive device attack injures four French soldiers in Burkina Faso

20 Jan 2022  |  Le Monde.fr  |  French  |  International Relations

On January 18, 2023, four French soldiers were injured, one seriously, by an improvised explosive device (IED) near Ouahigouya's aerodrome in northern Burkina Faso, close to the Malian border. This marks the first such attack in Burkina Faso. The soldiers were on a reconnaissance mission to check a French army logistics depot following a terrorist attack on January 13. The incident occurs amid a broader context of intensified French military cooperation with Burkina Faso's army, which has struggled to contain jihadist attacks causing over 2,000 deaths and displacing more than 1.5 million people in six years. A demonstration is planned for January 22 in the capital to protest against French policy in the Sahel and support Mali against ECOWAS sanctions.

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French Army Task Force Sabre Barkhane

Yüksel Durgut  is a journalist based in Dortmund, Germany. He is in the fields since 1994. He worked for a Turkish News Agency. He covered Afghanistan and Pakistan about ten years. He wrote four books and hundreds of documentaries for many TV channels.

Journalist, صحافي, журналист, روزنامه نگا,ر,...

Turkey’s Dreyfus: Journalist Mehmet Baransu

01 Oct 2023  |  Politurco.com  |  English  |  Political Scandal

Journalist Mehmet Baransu, imprisoned by the Erdogan regime in Turkey, is compared to Alfred Dreyfus, a French artillery captain falsely accused of treason in the late 19th century. The article draws parallels between the injustices faced by both men, highlighting the role of the press and public opinion in seeking justice. Baransu, who has been in solitary confinement for over 8.5 years on charges of espionage and revealing state secrets, is portrayed as a courageous journalist who has paid a heavy price for his work. The International Journalists Association and the editorial team of the Journalist Post have worked to bring attention to Baransu's case, emphasizing the need for justice and press freedom.

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French Army Erdogan regime International Journalists Association

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Philippe Gelie is a journalist based in Washington, United States of America.

End of Operation Barkhane: 'Light Footprint'

16 Aug 2022  |  www.lefigaro.fr  |  French  |  International Relations

France has completed its withdrawal from Mali, marking the end of Operation Barkhane. The French Army's exit is contrasted favorably with the chaotic American withdrawal from Afghanistan, highlighting a methodical and dignified departure. Despite some temporary successes in securing parts of Mali, the overall impact of the operation is viewed critically, drawing parallels with American interventions in Iraq and Afghanistan.

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American Army French Army

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I am a professional writer, with over 10 years experience.

My specialist areas are the environment, and visual arts, particularly photography and film.  I also do business copywriting and news, for businesses in London both B2B and B2C. My work has been published in various environmental ...

Case closed?

01 Oct 2023  |  insidestory.org.au  |  English  |  Treason Trials

Philippe Pétain, a French military leader, rose to prominence during WWI but later led the Vichy government, collaborating with Nazi Germany. Historian Julian Jackson's book, 'France on Trial: The Case of Marshal Pétain,' explores Pétain's controversial role and the subsequent treason trial. The trial highlighted the judicial chaos of post-liberation France and the nation's struggle to reconcile its wartime actions. Jackson's work underscores the continuity of extreme-right politics in France, tracing it back to the Dreyfus affair and examining its persistence in contemporary politics.

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French Army Nazi Germany Vichy Government

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I am the Guardian's West Africa correspondent, based in Dakar. Previously I was The Times's correspondent in South Africa and Mexico. I can make audio and video for broadcast or the web to a very high standard. I also shoot my own photographs. I have an extensive knowledge of the region and good ...

A Staunch Ally in Africa Says French Forces Will Withdraw

01 Jan 2025  |  www.nytimes.com  |  English  |  France-Africa Relations

Ivory Coast has announced the withdrawal of French forces, marking a significant reduction in France's military presence in West Africa. President Alassane Ouattara stated that the Ivorian Army's modernization has rendered the French troops unnecessary. This move follows similar withdrawals from other West African nations, leaving France with a limited military presence in Africa. The decision reflects a shift in regional dynamics and the growing self-reliance of African nations.

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Ivorian Army French Forces

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Jeoffrey Maitem is a journalist based in Davao City, Philippines.

South China Sea: US-Philippine forces fire rockets towards disputed waters, insist drill not meant to be provocation

22 Apr 2023  |  South China Morning Post  |  English  |  US-Philippines Relations

Filipino and US forces conducted live fire drills near the South China Sea, emphasizing the exercises were defensive and not aimed at provoking China. The drills, part of the annual Balikatan exercises involving over 21,000 troops from the US, Philippines, Australia, and France, are conducted under the Mutual Defence Treaty between the US and the Philippines. Philippine lawmakers defended the drills, stating they aim to enhance interoperability and are not directed at any specific country. The exercises come amid ongoing territorial disputes in the South China Sea, with Philippine officials reaffirming their sovereign rights over the region.

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French Armed Forces Philippine Army US Army Pentagon Armed Forces of the Philippines Australian Armed Forces Philippine Senate

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Tommaso Meo is a journalist based in Rome, Italy.

Pompeii Enlists Boston Dynamics' Robot Dog

29 Mar 2022  |  www.wired.it  |  Italian  |  Archaeology

The Archaeological Park of Pompeii is trialing a prototype robot dog named Spot, developed by Boston Dynamics, to monitor the ruins and collect data for planning conservation efforts. Spot is equipped with a 360-degree camera and is being tested alongside a flying laser scanner for 3D scanning. This initiative is part of a broader project to make the park 'smarter' and optimize its management. The UNESCO had previously threatened to list Pompeii as an endangered site unless conservation improved. Spot can navigate various terrains and inspect small tunnels, including those dug by tomb raiders, enhancing safety and efficiency. Boston Dynamics' robots have also been tested by the Massachusetts Police, the French Army, and Ghost Robotics' quadrupeds by the US Border Police.

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French Army UNESCO Massachusetts Police US Border Police

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Afolake Oyinloye is a journalist based in Limoges, France.
Journalist/Travel & Business enthusiast/Moderator

France to boost military support in Ivory Coast

21 Feb 2023  |  www.africanews.com  |  English  |  West Africa Security

The French Minister of Armed Forces, Sébastien Lecornu, praised the evolution of the Ivorian army over the past decade during his visit to Abidjan. He pledged to boost military support to Ivory Coast as part of France's adjusted strategy in West Africa, following Burkina Faso's decision to expel French troops. Lecornu emphasized the importance of training and human resources in strengthening the Ivorian army. French President Emmanuel Macron is scheduled to visit sub-Saharan Africa in early March, though he is expected to avoid former French colonies in the Sahel.

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French Government Ivorian Army French Armed Forces

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I am a freelance journalist based in Bamako, Mali since 2018. I studied fine art photography in college, primarily working in documentary photography, and began work as a photojournalist in 2016. I was trained in video journalism in 2020. I have been primarily working as a radio and text journalist ...

Mali Military Helicopter Crashes in Capital

24 Apr 2023  |  allafrica.com  |  English  |  Helicopter Crash

A military helicopter crashed in a residential area of Mali's capital, Bamako, on Saturday after returning from an operational mission. The Malian army confirmed the crash on their official Facebook page. The incident occurred amid ongoing battles against an Islamist insurgency in Mali. France had intervened in 2013 but withdrew in 2022 due to concerns about Mali's military government's collaboration with Russian Wagner Group mercenaries. Mali has been under military rule since a 2020 coup. The interim President Assimi Goita's chief of staff, Oumar Traore, was recently killed in an ambush. Another attack by suspected Islamists targeted a military base in central Mali on Saturday morning. The number of casualties from the helicopter crash has not been disclosed.

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French Military Malian Army Wagner Group

Jerome is The Times Africa Correspondent, based in Nairobi. Before that he lived in Afghanistan and worked for various newspapers and broadcasters.

SAS 'ORIGINAL' SAS hero Mike Sadler famed for ‘superhuman’ ability to navigate desert once led 100-mile trek without water and maps

04 Jan 2024  |  The Scottish Sun  |  English  |  World War II

Major Mike Sadler, the last surviving original member of the SAS, passed away at the age of 103. His remarkable career spanned roles as a farmer, sailor, soldier, and spy. Sadler was known for his exceptional navigation skills in the North African deserts during World War II, where he relied on the stars, sun, and dead reckoning to guide SAS raids. He participated in the first successful SAS raid on the Wadi Tamet airfield and later received the Military Medal for his role in airfield raids. Sadler also served with the Long Range Desert Group, joined the SAS's L Detachment, and was awarded the Military Cross for gallantry. Post-war, he worked with the Antarctic Survey and MI6. His life and service were praised by military figures and he was portrayed by Tom Glynn-Carney in the BBC drama 'SAS Rogue Heroes'.

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French resistance American army SAS MI6 Times Newspapers Ltd Long Range Desert Group (LRDG) Antarctic Survey BBC The One Show

Mustapha Tossa is a journalist based in Paris, France.

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Mustapha Tossa est un journaliste franco-marocain né à Marrakech au Maroc le 28 mai 1963.

Il est diplômé de l’Institut supérieur de journalisme à Rabat1 promotion ...

Tebboune and France, the mysteries of a cancellation!

23 Apr 2023  |  atlasinfo.fr  |  French  |  Political Crisis

The diplomatic relationship between France and Algeria remains unpredictable, highlighted by the sudden cancellation of Algerian President Abdelmajid Tebboune's state visit to France. The article explores various hypotheses for the cancellation, including political divergences and security concerns. It criticizes both Emmanuel Macron's approach to Algerian relations and the Algerian regime's capricious nature, suggesting that unresolved issues like the Western Sahara crisis may have played a role. The article concludes that Macron may need to reassess his diplomatic strategy in the Maghreb region.

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Algerian Army French Government Algerian Government

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Georges Ibrahim Tounkara is a journalist based in Abidjan, Région des lagunes, Côte d'Ivoire. He worked for Deutsche Welle during 6 years in Germany. He worked also for Radio Côte d'ivoire. Freelance now. He speak well french and spanish, little english und german

France leaves Niger, Bazoum still in detention

13 Oct 2023  |  www.dw.com  |  French  |  Political Crisis

Mohamed Bazoum has been detained in his residence in Niamey for 80 days, with limited access to electricity and water. The West African organization Cédéao and several Western capitals have condemned his detention as a hostage situation and called for his release. Bazoum has appealed to the Cédéao Court of Justice for his release and the restoration of constitutional order in Niger. Meanwhile, the French military has begun withdrawing from Niger, with the first contingent of soldiers leaving for Chad. Approximately 1,500 French soldiers are expected to leave Niger by the end of the year.

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French Army Cédéao

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Maxim Tucker reports for The Times on Ukraine. He has worked in some of the hottest spots in the conflict zone and various locations throughout the country. He has extensive contacts within the Ukrainian government, military and intelligence services, as well as among diplomats, political parties, ...

Wagner group agree ‘truce’ brokered by Belarus — as it happened

24 Jun 2023  |  www.thetimes.com  |  English  |  Belarus Mediation

President Putin warned of civil war and vowed to crush Wagner's mutiny amid an unprecedented crisis. Wagner seized a key military base in Rostov and an oil depot exploded in Voronezh. A truce brokered by Belarus led to charges against Prigozhin being dropped, and Wagner fighters were offered security guarantees. Poland and Estonia monitored their borders, while Ukraine launched an offensive in several directions. The situation remains volatile with potential for continued internal chaos in Russia.

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French Government Russian Army Wagner Group Kremlin Belarusian Government Polish Government Estonian Government Ukrainian Government NATO Turkish Government US Government UK Government German Government G7 EU

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Sebas Van Aert is a journalist currently based in The Netherlands who has written for the Dutch titels De Volkskrant, Tubantia, Brabants Dagblad/BN De Stem en Univers. In English, he has written for Euronews. 

He loves writing about foreign affairs but has a broad interest and is willing to take ...

Read the live blog about the war in Ukraine from Saturday 8 and Sunday 9 June

08 Jun 2024  |  www.volkskrant.nl  |  Dutch  |  Russia-Ukraine Conflict

Ukraine continues to resist the Russian offensive in the northeastern border region, with President Zelensky emphasizing the need for further defense reinforcements. Russia's military operations have not achieved a breakthrough, but heavy shelling persists in Kharkiv. Western allies, including the US, have permitted Ukraine to target Russian territories with supplied weapons. Zelensky expressed gratitude to French President Macron for additional support, including combat aircraft and military training. Meanwhile, Russian air defenses intercepted Ukrainian drones in North Ossetia, marking the first such incident in the region. The European Union is considering Ukraine and Moldova's EU membership negotiations, while the Russian Foreign Ministry blames the US for Ukrainian attacks using American weapons.

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French Government Russian Army Ukrainian Army European Union United States

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