French foreign minister: Europe needs direct contact with Russia

French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot has said that all financial assistance provided to Ukraine currently comes from Europe, while stressing that Paris has never ruled out dialogue with Russia.

Source: Barrot in an interview with the French newspaper Libération

Details: Barrot explained that Europe now needs direct contact with Russia in order to defend its own interests.

Quote: "Europeans, who are currently Ukraine's main financial and military backers, must have a channel to defend their interests without delegating this responsibility to anyone else."

Details: Meanwhile, Barrot noted that, according to France's assessment, Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin is showing no real signs of willingness to move towards peace. He pointed to Russia's recent strikes on civilians as evidence, including the attack on the Barvinkove-Lviv-Chop passenger train, which Barrot described as a war crime.

In addition, he reaffirmed France's support for Ukraine during the war.

Quote: "Today, 100% of financial assistance for Ukraine comes from Europe. Most intelligence and military support also comes from Europe… Ukraine knows it can rely on the unwavering support of Europeans."

Background: Ukrainian Defence Minister Mykhailo Fedorov said that Kyiv is anticipating additional Mirage 2000-5 fighter jets and missiles from France for its air defence systems.

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