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“Unthinkable”: French FM Barrot rejects Russia’s G7 return, citing aggression and security threat

Although open to future diplomatic talks, Barrot rejected any dialogue with Russia until it acknowledges Ukraine’s need for real security guarantees and possible NATO membership.

byOlena Mukhina

17/02/2025

2 minute read

Ukraine can use French SCALP missiles into Russia "in self-defense," hints FM Barrot

French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot. Photo: Barrot via X

“Unthinkable”: French FM Barrot rejects Russia’s G7 return, citing aggression and security threat

French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot believes that Russia’s return to the so-called G7 group is currently impossible due to its aggression. However, he said the responsibility for the war against Ukraine lies on Russian authorities and not on the ordinary Russians, according to LCI.

On 7 February, a new poll indicated continued strong public backing for Moscow’s military campaign in Ukraine. The results showed 67% of respondents said they supported the war, while 65 percent believe Russia’s military operation is “going well.” Throughout 2022 and 2023, Russian public support for the military campaign in Ukraine generally remained between 70% and 75%, with about 20% of respondents consistently opposing it.

“Today, such a decision is unthinkable. What is the G7? It’s a group of the world’s most developed democracies. Does Russia, as it stands today, or does it want to be seen as a developed democracy? No,” said the French minister.

According to Barrot, Russia is currently acting as an aggressor, threatening other G7 countries.

“It is also attacking other G7 members… relentlessly and shamelessly. So, today, it’s unacceptable,” he emphasized.

At the same time, the French minister allows for the possibility of diplomatic dialogue in the future.

“If, in the future, when we create conditions for a fair and lasting peace, we manage to restore relations with the Russian people—why not? You know, the responsibility for this war… lies on the shoulders of Vladimir Putin and, undoubtedly, his very close circle. It wasn’t the Russian people who started this aggressive war against Ukraine,” Barrot said.

When asked whether he was ready to talk with Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov, the French minister responded.

“No. Not today. But I could speak with him as soon as we overcome the main problem facing Europe today—the threat to our security from Putin’s Russia,” he claimed.

Barrot added that he would pick up the phone if he were told that “Russia has finally agreed that Ukraine should have real security guarantees or even that Ukraine should join NATO.”

Earlier, US President Donald Trump stated that he would not oppose Russia’s return to the G7, calling its expulsion from the group a mistake, UkrInform reported.

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