France’s foreign minister, Jean-Noël Barrot, supported Ukraine’s victory plan and pledged to secure the backing of other nations for the plan unveiled by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy earlier this week.
Key points of the victory plan include Ukraine’s invitation to NATO and permission for Ukraine to use long-range weapons for strikes deep inside Russia, over which Western allies have been hesitant and divided, fearing nuclear escalation.
“A Russian victory would be a consecration for the law of the strongest and would push the international order toward chaos,” said Barrot during his visit to Kyiv, as per AP.
He argued this is why progress on Zelenskyy’s plan and rallying international support are crucial.
Barrot also announced France’s plans to deliver 20 Mirage 2000 combat jets to Ukraine in early 2025, along with training for Ukrainian pilots and mechanics.
“By resisting against the invader with exceptional courage, you are not only fighting for Ukraine’s territorial integrity, but you are also holding a front line that separates Europe from Vladimir Putin’s Russia, that separates freedom from oppression,” the French minister stated.
France has been a strong supporter of Ukraine since Russia’s full-scale invasion began, providing military, diplomatic, and economic assistance. The country is currently training and equipping a new brigade of Ukrainian soldiers for front-line deployment, which Zelenskyy expects to arrive in Ukraine by late November.
Macron’s government has faced opposition from far-left and far-right factions in France over military aid to Ukraine. However, Macron continues to argue that supporting Ukraine is vital for European stability and security.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy thanked France for supporting Ukraine’s victory plan and called for partners to develop a shared vision for ending the war with Russia.
“And we will be grateful to France for working with our other partners to develop a shared vision that only an honest end to the war can truly guarantee a reliable peace,” Zelenskyy said.
Earlier, NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte cautiously welcomed Zelenskyy’s five-point Victory Plan but withheld full endorsement, stating more discussion is needed to understand its feasibility.
US Ambassador to NATO Julianne Smith revealed that Ukraine will not receive an invitation to join the alliance in the short term, despite Zelenskyy’s push for his victory plan.
Zelenskyy warned the EU that rejecting his victory plan would be a “privilege from the world to Russia.” He emphasized that any hesitation or refusal sends a dangerous message, signaling leniency towards Russia’s aggression.
Related:
- Zelenskyy warns EU: Rejecting Ukraine’s victory plan is “privilege from world to Russia”
- Zelenskyy unveils 5-point ”Victory Plan” to Ukrainian Parliament
- NATO won’t invite Ukraine to alliance in short term despite Zelenskyy’s “victory plan” push
- NATO official: No serious risk of Russian nuclear escalation at present
- ISW: Putin’s nuclear threats aim to influence Western support for Ukraine
