By French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot has publicly endorsed Ukraine’s newly unveiled “victory plan” aimed at ending Russia’s 2 1/2-year invasion. During a visit to Kyiv on Saturday, Barrot committed to working alongside Ukrainian officials to garner international support for the proposal, marking a significant diplomatic push from one of Ukraine’s staunchest European allies.
The plan, recently introduced by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, seeks to compel Russia to cease its invasion through negotiations. A key element of the proposal is securing a formal invitation for Ukraine to join NATO, a move that Western allies have been hesitant to consider while the conflict is ongoing.
Barrot emphasized the critical nature of Ukraine’s struggle, stating, “A Russian victory would be a consecration for the law of the strongest and would push the international order toward chaos.” He underscored France’s commitment to Ukraine’s cause, framing the conflict as a defense of European values against Russian aggression.
In a significant show of support, Barrot announced that France would deliver its first batch of Mirage 2000 combat jets to Ukraine in the first quarter of 2025. This commitment includes training Ukrainian pilots and mechanics to operate and maintain the aircraft, further bolstering Ukraine’s military capabilities.
France’s backing of Ukraine extends beyond diplomatic and military support. The country is currently training and equipping a full new brigade of Ukrainian soldiers for front-line deployment, demonstrating its comprehensive approach to aiding Ukraine’s defense efforts.
Barrot’s visit coincided with a prisoner swap between Russia and Ukraine, facilitated by the United Arab Emirates, which saw 190 POWs exchanged. Among the 95 Ukrainians released were 34 Azov fighters who had defended Mariupol and the Azovstal steelworks, highlighting the ongoing humanitarian aspects of the conflict.
The French minister’s support for Ukraine’s plan aligns with previous calls by French President Emmanuel Macron for a policy shift among Western allies. Macron has advocated for allowing Ukraine to strike military bases inside Russia using sophisticated long-range weapons provided by Western partners, including French missiles. This aspect of long-range strikes is a crucial component of Zelenskyy’s five-point plan but has faced reluctance from Kyiv’s allies thus far.
The success of Ukraine’s “victory plan” could potentially reshape the course of the conflict and the geopolitical landscape of Eastern Europe.
With France’s vocal support and tangible military aid, Ukraine’s strategy to end the Russian invasion enters a new phase. The coming months will be crucial in determining whether this diplomatic offensive, backed by military pressure, can bring about a resolution to the protracted conflict that has devastated Ukraine and destabilized the region for over two years.
AP
