French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot expressed strong support for Ukraine’s “victory plan” to end the ongoing war with Russia during his visit to Kyiv on Saturday. Barrot pledged to work closely with Ukrainian officials to secure backing from other nations for the proposal.
The plan, unveiled by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy earlier this week, aims to bring an end to the 2 1/2-year war through diplomatic negotiations. A major component of the plan includes a formal invitation for Ukraine to join NATO, which has faced resistance from Western allies who prefer to delay membership until after the conflict concludes.
Since Russia’s invasion in 2022, France has been a steadfast supporter of Ukraine, providing military, diplomatic, and economic assistance. Currently, France is training a new brigade of Ukrainian soldiers for deployment to the front lines. French President Emmanuel Macron has advocated for allowing Ukraine to target Russian military bases using long-range weapons provided by Western allies, including French missiles—a policy shift that could significantly impact the conflict.
Long-range strikes form a crucial part of Zelenskyy’s five-point plan but have met with hesitation from Western partners. Nevertheless, Barrot announced that France would deliver the first Mirage 2000 combat jets to Ukraine in early 2025, with training for Ukrainian pilots and mechanics included.
Barrot emphasized Ukraine’s broader role in Europe’s security, stating, “By resisting the invader with exceptional courage, you are not only fighting for Ukraine’s territorial integrity but also holding a front line that separates Europe from Vladimir Putin’s Russia, that separates freedom from oppression.”
Barrot also underscored the stakes of the war, warning, “A Russian victory would be a consecration for the law of the strongest and would push the international order toward chaos.” He stressed the need for international support for Zelenskyy’s plan, aiming to rally as many countries as possible around Ukraine’s vision for peace.
The proposal is currently under consideration by Ukraine’s Western allies, whose support is crucial for Ukraine to continue resisting Russia’s invasion.
