France rejects idea of Ukraine’s demilitarisation, backs stronger armed forces

France has dismissed proposals for Ukraine’s demilitarisation, arguing that strengthening Kyiv’s military is a key element of security guarantees, French Minister for European Affairs Benjamin Haddad said in an interview with French media.

Haddad said any future peace agreement must include “clear and reliable” security guarantees for Ukraine, per Caliber.Az.

The minister also announced plans to visit Ukraine in September to discuss the country’s EU accession process. “Paris is supporting Kyiv on this path. In September I will travel to Ukraine to continue our consultations. The task is to begin the first phase of negotiations as soon as possible,” Haddad stressed.

He underlined that Ukraine has the sovereign right to choose its alliances and political direction. “Whether it is the European Union or NATO, Russia cannot veto Ukraine’s future political course,” he said.

Haddad further noted that as part of ongoing discussions on security guarantees, a “coalition of the willing” is considering deploying military contingents to Ukraine. These, he explained, would serve as a safeguard alongside Ukraine’s armed forces, which “must remain fully capable.”

By Khagan Isayev