Russian envoy in Vienna, Mikhail Ulyanov, denied Russia's…
Russian envoy in Vienna, Mikhail Ulyanov, denied Russia's involvement in forest fires in France, criticizing French officials and journalists for suggesting such involvement and accusing them of disrespecting their own population. The fires, which affected regions including Gironde and Var, led to mass evacuations and significant destruction.
Consensus
- Mikhail Ulyanov, Russia's permanent representative in Vienna, denied Russia's involvement in the forest fires in France.
- Ulyanov stated that some French officials and journalists claiming Russia's involvement do not respect their own population.
- The forest fires occurred in the Gironde and Var regions of France.
- The fires caused large-scale evacuations and significant damage to forests.
- French authorities reported that the fires destroyed 14,000 hectares of forest and led to the evacuation of around 110,000 people.
Points of divergence
- A French TV expert on BFMTV suggested that Russian special services may have organized the fires in Gironde and Var. — kommersant
- Among 375 people arrested for arson, 142 were teenagers, who may have been victims of foreign influence. — kommersant
- The fire in Gironde was described as self-sustaining and unpredictable due to changing wind patterns. — vm
- France 24 reported that the fires destroyed the town of Le-Porj, leaving 3,500 people homeless. — vesti
- The head of France's largest agricultural union, Arno Russo, stated that the fires and drought caused severe damage to French agriculture, requiring billions in aid. — vesti
Coverage (4 sources)
- Russia's Ambassador in Vienna Denied Moscow's Involvement in France Fires — Коммерсантъ
- Russian Ambassador to International Organizations in Vienna Mikhail Ulyanov condemned attempts by France to accuse Russia of fires in the EU: — ТАСС (Telegram)
- Diplomat Ulyanov commented on accusations of Russia's involvement in fires in the EU — Вечерняя Москва
- Ulyanov criticized French officials speaking about Russia's involvement in the fires — Вести