French foreign minister stresses need for just, reliable peace in Ukraine

French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot has emphasized that any negotiations aimed at ending the war in Ukraine must yield a just and sustainable peace that safeguards Kyiv’s security and sovereignty.

Barrot stressed that Paris is pursuing a peace that is “reliable and backed by guarantees preventing new aggression from Russia.” He highlighted that the EU and France are working on multiple fronts, including long-term financing for Ukraine, preparing a “reparations loan” using Russian assets, strengthening sanctions, and planning post-agreement measures should a peace deal be reached, Caliber.Az reports, citing Ukrainian media.

Barrot also noted that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy was invited to the headquarters of the multinational “Coalition of the Resolute” forces during his recent visit to Paris. Discussions there focused on measures to reinforce the Ukrainian military and explore scenarios for deploying deterrence forces after the cessation of hostilities.

Earlier reports referred to a 28-point “peace plan” reportedly drafted by US President Donald Trump’s team in consultation with Moscow. According to sources, the plan allegedly included provisions for ceding all of Donbas to Russia, reducing the size of the Ukrainian army, and recognizing Russian as a second state language.

However, the proposed meeting to discuss the plan collapsed after Kyiv presented its own vision, which Moscow reportedly refused to accept.

By Vafa Guliyeva