Jean-Noel Barrot characterized the Russo Ukrainian war as a struggle between “freedom and oppression,” and stressed that a Russian win would push the global order “towards chaos.”
Jean-Noel Barrot is France’s Foreign Minister. He has pledged to get other nations’ support for the plan that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy unveiled earlier this week.
The key points of the victory strategy include Ukraine’s invitation for NATO and Ukraine’s permission to use long-range missiles for strikes deep within Russia. Western allies were hesitant and divided over this issue, fearing a nuclear escalation.
Barrot, during his visit to Kyiv as reported by AP, said that “a Russian victory would be a consecration of the law the strongest and would push international order into chaos.”
He said that progress on Zelenskyy’s plan and gaining international support is crucial.
Barrot announced that France plans to deliver 20 Mirage 2000 fighter jets to Ukraine by early 2025. The planes will also be equipped with training for Ukrainian mechanics and pilots.
“By resisting the invader with extraordinary courage, you not only fight for Ukraine’s territory integrity, but also hold a frontline that separates Europe and Vladimir Putin’s Russia. That separates freedom from tyranny,” the French Minister stated.
France has been a strong ally of Ukraine ever since the full-scale Russian invasion began. It has provided military, diplomatic and economic assistance. Zelenskyy is expecting a new brigade, made up of Ukrainian soldiers, to arrive in Ukraine late November. The country has been training and equipping them for deployment on the front lines.
The far-left and the far-right in France have opposed Macron’s government over military aid for Ukraine. Macron continues to argue, however, that supporting Ukraine is crucial for European stability and safety.
The President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, thanked France for its support for the victory plan for Ukraine and called on partners to develop a common vision for ending war with Russia.
“And we will thank France for working with other partners to develop shared visions that only an honest ending to the war can guarantee a reliable and lasting peace,” Zelenskyy stated.
Mark Rutte, NATO Secretary General, had earlier cautiously welcomed Zelenskyy’s five-point Victory Plan, but withheld his full endorsement. He said that more discussion was needed to understand the feasibility of this plan.
US Ambassador to NATO Julianne Smith has revealed that Ukraine won’t be invited to join NATO in the near future, despite Zelenskyy pushing for his victory plan.
Zelenskyy warned that the EU’s refusal to accept his victory plan would amount to a “privilege” given by the world. He also said that any hesitation sends out a dangerous signal, signaling leniency toward Russia’s aggression.
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