
Moscow cites the absence of bilateral relations with Paris and London to justify this delay.
AI-generated summary
Relations between Russia and Western countries have deteriorated sharply since the start of Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
The Kremlin said Friday that it was not necessary to quickly replace the Russian ambassadors to France and the United Kingdom, who have just left their positions, “in the absence of bilateral relations” between Moscow and these countries supporting kyiv.
In a decree signed on Friday, the Russian president officially released Andreï Kelin, ambassador to London since 2019, from his functions. The day before, he had signed a similar decree releasing Alexei Meshkov, Russian ambassador to France since 2017.
Moscow sees no reason to “rush”
Asked about these measures, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov indicated on Friday that it could take “some” time until new ambassadors are appointed to these countries. “Especially since, as you see, in the absence of bilateral relations (with Paris and London, Editor's note), there is no real need to hurry,” he continued, quoted by the TASS and Ria Novosti news agencies.

The LR mayor of Villeneuve-Saint-Georges, Kristell Niasme, issued an order prohibiting the distribution of leaflets between 8:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. in several sectors of the city until September 2027, citing risks of unrest and security. The opposition, notably the PCF of Val-de-Marne, contests this measure as an attack on freedom of expression in the run-up to the 2027 presidential election.

The municipal council of Lleida, in Catalonia, approved on Friday the ban on hiding the face in public spaces, effectively targeting the burqa, with 16 votes for and 11 against. This measure comes against a backdrop of a hardening debate on immigration in Spain, almost two months after the massive arrival of migrants in Ceuta. The city had already been a pioneer in 2010 with a similar ban.

Presidential candidate Raphaël Glucksmann supported Friday the sending of French soldiers to protect the Saudi port of Yanbu, while calling for an increase in the energy check from 150 to 500 euros for current beneficiaries and to extend it to 10 million additional French people.

Pope Leo XIV arrived in Paris for his first official visit to France. Welcomed by Emmanuel Macron, he made numerous speeches on ethics and technology before beginning a stroll in a popemobile and a vigil at the Stade de France.

Since the start of the week, high school students in Ile-de-France have blocked several establishments to denounce their study conditions. The movement, marked by damage and police interventions, divides the regional political class.

Faced with the continued rise in fuel prices, the French government is preparing targeted aid without considering a general reduction in taxes. At the same time, the summer diesel sale is extended until November 15.