• 15:18 p.m.: Rain of tributes for AFP journalist Arman Soldin, killed in Ukraine

A wave of sympathy and messages of condolence poured in after the announcement of the death of AFP journalist Arman Soldin, killed on May 9 in Ukraine, tributes hailing his "courage" and "talent" in telling the story of the worst military conflict in Europe since 1945.

The head of French diplomacy, Catherine Colonna, paid tribute to Arman at the end of the Council of Ministers, highlighting his "courage" and in general "the work done" by journalists in Ukraine "so that we know the reality of the facts".

"Arman was a talented and courageous journalist," responded British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak through his spokesman, saying his work had been "vital" to "shed light on the darkness of this war."

  • 15:16 p.m.: France calls on China to use its influence to bring Russia "to its senses"

French Foreign Minister Catherine Colonna called on China to use "its relations with Russia" to bring it on the path of peace, speaking in the presence of her German counterpart Annalena Baerbock.

"It is necessary for China to use its relations with Russia to make Russia better understand that it is at an impasse and ask it to return to reason" for "a return to peace and not the continuation of war," said the head of diplomacy shortly before a meeting. in Paris, with his Chinese counterpart, Qin Gang.

Speaking during the minutes of the Council of Ministers, she recalled that "on China and concerning Ukraine", the positions of the France were "known". "We talk about it openly, directly, with the frankness that friendship allows," she added.

  • The essentials of the day of May 9

A third French journalist, Arman Soldin, AFP's video coordinator in Ukraine, was killed near Bakhmut. On this day of commemorations of the defeat of Nazi Germany, Vladimir Putin promised "victory" in the conflict. The Americans, for their part, chose in return to announce new military aid for Kiev.

With AFP and Reuters

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