The war in Ukraine, the withdrawal of troops from Burkina Faso, the suspicion of illegal interests… what to remember from the interview with Sébastien Lecornu

Armed Forces Minister Sébastien Lecornu was a guest of Franceinfo on Wednesday 22 February. The war in Ukraine, the withdrawal of troops from Burkina Faso, suspected illegal usury… he answers questions from Nicolas Taylor and Eric Biegala from the Ballard military command center south of Paris.

War in Ukraine: “Russia cannot and must not win”

To Sebastien Lecorne, “Russia cannot and must not win” War in Ukraine. “This is the official position of France. This does not mean that Russia must fall., he added, referring to Emmanuel Macron’s statement at the annual Munich Security Conference last weekend. To the Minister, “Russian aggression in Ukraine must end, it must end in failure”.

Ukrainians, he says “fight” And they are “want to help”. For this, France will continue to support them militarily: “The help will continue.” Sébastien Lecornu mentions this help “French public debate does not participate in enlargement as some extreme left or extreme right sometimes suggest”.

Burkina Faso: “France continues to be available to partners fighting terrorism”

“Unfortunately, terrorism is a major topic in Africa.”The Minister of Armed Forces responded that earlier in the day, Paris had confirmed the withdrawal of its soldiers from Burkina Faso. “Ukraine should not make us Europeans about security threats”He noted that France would continue “To be available to partners fighting terrorism”.

Franco-Swedish businessman Urenko “will relocate to Bergerac”

European explosives expert, Franco-Swedish industrialist Urenko, “For France, powder production chain for 155 mm shells will be transferred to Bergerac”, Sébastien Lecornu rejoiced. The 155 mm shells were part of the equipment supplied to Ukraine by France and other Western countries against the Russian invasion. They are especially used by the Caesar guns supplied by Paris. “It is clear that 2023 will be a year of pressure on bomb production”Acknowledges the Minister of Armed Forces who wishes “Accelerator” their production. He mentions France “Puts pressure on industry” In this case.

Paris-Normandy Motorways: “I categorically deny any illegal interests”

According to reports released on Wednesday, the Minister of Armed Forces is involved By newspaper liberation , as part of the practice of the Office of the National Fiscal Prosecution. It is about his past activities as chairperson of Ure’s departmental committee. He is suspected of receiving illegal benefits for participating in discussions related to the Paris-Normandy Motorway Company, of which he was a director at the same time. “I categorically disclaim any illegal interests”Sébastien Lecornu comments.