France and the United Kingdom are ready to take responsibility for coordinating the efforts of partners in supporting Ukraine and will continue their efforts to ensure the Alliance’s capabilities to maintain peace and stability across the entire Euro-Atlantic space. This was stated by the foreign ministers of the UK and France ahead of the second day of NATO foreign ministers' meeting in Brussels.
"Last Thursday in Paris, during the 5th meeting of the 'Coalition of the Willing,' our partners and friends united in support of Ukraine and entrusted President Macron and Prime Minister Starmer with the role of coordinating this coalition. In this context, our partners have entrusted us with coordinating efforts to support Ukraine and apply pressure on Russia using sanctions, financial instruments, and providing military assistance to Ukraine. Yesterday, partners confirmed these commitments, with France announcing military assistance to Ukraine worth 2 billion euros," said French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot.
He reminded that three weeks ago, Ukraine made an important compromise and agreed to a ceasefire without any conditions, which was initiated by American partners. At the same time, Russia continues to evade and continues to shell energy infrastructure and commit other war crimes.
"Today, Russia owes a response to the United States, who worked very hard to mediate the ceasefire. This must be a clear response – yes or no, and it must be a quick response," emphasized the French Foreign Minister.
He noted that European partners support the efforts of the United States and are working on scenarios to monitor the ceasefire regime when it is achieved.
Barrot stressed that France and the United Kingdom, along with other partners in the "Coalition of the Willing," are working to ensure that the peace achieved in Ukraine is sustainable and lasting.
"This means building a very powerful Ukrainian army, and this should be the first element of any guarantees for lasting peace. At some point, this will also require certain military capabilities to ensure such peace. That is why our defense leaders will be in Kyiv today to advance this work. Our goal is to achieve peace, and this peace must be just and lasting," said the French official.
Meanwhile, UK Foreign Minister David Lammy emphasized that his country will continue its strong partnership with France.
"We continue to work together, gathering the 'coalition of the willing,' as we are focused on achieving a sustainable and lasting peace and maintaining stability in the Euro-Atlantic space. France and the UK have come together to provide Ukraine with long-range strike capabilities to repel Russian attacks. Putin continues to evade. He could accept a ceasefire now. Instead, he continues to bombard Ukraine, its civilian population, and energy infrastructure," said Lammy.
