French Foreign Minister Showcases Solidarity with Ukraine During Kyiv Visit
Jean-Noel Barrot meets key Ukrainian officials amid ongoing Russian attacks.
KYIV, Ukraine: France's commitment to supporting Ukraine in its ongoing conflict with Russia was underscored by a surprise visit from French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot on Monday.
This high-level diplomatic gesture comes as Russia continues its barrage of missile and drone attacks on Ukrainian cities.
Barrot held meetings with key figures in the Ukrainian government, including Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiga, President Volodymyr Zelensky, and newly appointed Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko.
His visit came just hours after a fresh wave of Russian aggression struck Kyiv, further escalating an already intense conflict that has been ongoing for over three years.
During his press conference, Barrot emphasized the dual strategy France is pursuing: applying pressure on Russia to cease its military actions while simultaneously providing steadfast support to Ukraine.
This approach, he argues, holds the key to ending what he described as a 'cowardly and disgraceful war'.
Barrot's visit included an inspection of the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant, site of the world’s worst nuclear disaster in 1986.
The plant has become a focal point of international concern following accusations by Ukraine that Russia targeted it with an explosive drone in February.
In response to this incident, France pledged €10 million ($11.7 million) to assist in repairing the damage.
During his inspection, Barrot called attention to the continued targeting of energy infrastructure by Russia, which he argued is a violation of international law and nuclear safety protocols.
He also condemned the recent wave of attacks that resulted in two casualties and damage to the Lukyanivka metro station, stating that such acts 'have no military purpose' but serve only to terrorize civilians.
The French foreign minister's visit comes at a critical time for Ukraine, symbolizing continued international support as it faces relentless aggression from Russia.
Barrot's personal experience, getting briefly stuck in an elevator during the visit, did not deter him or his team from completing their tasks and highlighting the challenges faced by those working amidst the conflict.
This high-level diplomatic gesture comes as Russia continues its barrage of missile and drone attacks on Ukrainian cities.
Barrot held meetings with key figures in the Ukrainian government, including Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiga, President Volodymyr Zelensky, and newly appointed Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko.
His visit came just hours after a fresh wave of Russian aggression struck Kyiv, further escalating an already intense conflict that has been ongoing for over three years.
During his press conference, Barrot emphasized the dual strategy France is pursuing: applying pressure on Russia to cease its military actions while simultaneously providing steadfast support to Ukraine.
This approach, he argues, holds the key to ending what he described as a 'cowardly and disgraceful war'.
Barrot's visit included an inspection of the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant, site of the world’s worst nuclear disaster in 1986.
The plant has become a focal point of international concern following accusations by Ukraine that Russia targeted it with an explosive drone in February.
In response to this incident, France pledged €10 million ($11.7 million) to assist in repairing the damage.
During his inspection, Barrot called attention to the continued targeting of energy infrastructure by Russia, which he argued is a violation of international law and nuclear safety protocols.
He also condemned the recent wave of attacks that resulted in two casualties and damage to the Lukyanivka metro station, stating that such acts 'have no military purpose' but serve only to terrorize civilians.
The French foreign minister's visit comes at a critical time for Ukraine, symbolizing continued international support as it faces relentless aggression from Russia.
Barrot's personal experience, getting briefly stuck in an elevator during the visit, did not deter him or his team from completing their tasks and highlighting the challenges faced by those working amidst the conflict.
