France keeps door open for Moscow talks, stresses clear coordination

French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot explained why Paris is considering the possibility of resuming dialogue with Russia, telling Libération that direct contacts with Moscow are not excluded but must be coordinated with Ukraine and European partners and conducted transparently.

“France has never ruled out, in principle, exchanging with Russia, provided it is done transparently with Ukraine and European partners, and, of course, only if it is useful,” Barrot said.

He emphasised that such negotiations are necessary for Europe to ensure continental issues are not decided without its involvement. 

The minister added that, as major financial and military allies of Ukraine, European countries should maintain their own channel to advocate their interests, without shifting responsibility to others.

Regarding the peace process in Ukraine, Barrot said that at this stage, Vladimir Putin shows no sign of a genuine willingness to move toward peace.

By Jeyhun Aghazada