French and Ukrainian Foreign Ministers Discuss Developments in Ukraine

Paris, August 26 (KUNA) -- French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot held talks today with his Ukrainian counterpart, Andrii Sybiha, on developments on the ground in Ukraine and ways to sustain and intensify pressure on Russia. The French Foreign Ministry said in a statement that the two ministers, in a telephone conversation, discussed Russia’s continued launch of “systematic and increasingly intense” attacks on Ukrainian cities, critical infrastructure, and civilians, emphasizing the need to maintain pressure on Moscow. The statement added that Barrot reiterated France’s full support for Ukraine, both bilaterally and through various European mechanisms, as well as in the context of France’s presidency of the Group of Seven (G7). He noted that the ministers also discussed upcoming international engagements, particularly the sessions of the UN General Assembly scheduled for September, which will provide an opportunity to rally the international community once again to reaffirm its support for Ukraine’s efforts to safeguard its sovereignty, freedom, and independence, coinciding with the 35th anniversary of Ukraine’s independence. Barrot affirmed France’s determination to continue standing by Ukraine in the long term and to persist in its efforts, in cooperation with its partners, until a just and lasting peace is achieved. (End) M.B. / M.A. H.A.