During a recent interview in Kyiv, French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot expressed robust support for Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s “Victory Plan.” This plan primarily aims to conclude the Russian invasion through diplomatic negotiations. Barrot stated that France will collaborate with Ukrainian officials to secure the involvement of other allied nations in promoting the initiative.
Barrot highlighted the criticality of the situation, stating, “A Russian victory would affirm the law of the jungle and throw the international order into chaos.” He spoke alongside Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha during a joint press conference on the 19th, emphasizing the need for France and Ukraine to work together to make progress on the Victory Plan while rallying support from neighboring countries.
The Victory Plan includes five major points: Ukraine’s membership in NATO, the use of long-range weapons on Russian territory, the deployment of non-nuclear strategic forces in Ukraine to deter Russia, joint protection of Ukraine’s key natural resources by the U.S. and the EU, and the replacement of some U.S. troops stationed across Europe with Ukrainian soldiers in the post-war period.
Western partners of Ukraine are currently evaluating this proposal, as their support is vital for Kyiv’s resistance against Russia. A critical aspect of the plan is the formal invitation for Ukraine to join NATO, a topic that Western allies have been reluctant to discuss during the ongoing conflict.
Furthermore, Barrot announced that France plans to deliver the first batch of Mirage 2000 fighter jets to Ukraine by the first quarter of 2025. Ukrainian pilots and technicians are already undergoing training for operating and maintaining these aircraft.
“Ukraine is fighting not only to defend its territory but also to uphold the front line for Europe against Putin’s Russia, separating freedom from oppression,” Barrot remarked.
Barrot’s visit coincided with a prisoner exchange on the night of October 18, where 190 prisoners, including 95 Ukrainians, were swapped under the mediation of the United Arab Emirates.
Since the outbreak of the Russo-Ukrainian war, France has emerged as one of Ukraine’s staunchest military, diplomatic, and economic allies in Europe. The country is currently training a Ukrainian brigade expected to be deployed to the front lines in November. French President Emmanuel Macron has previously advocated for Western allies to allow Kyiv to utilize advanced long-range weapons, including French missiles, to target Russian military bases within its territory.
