Strengthening air defense, sanctions and accession to the EU: results of the meeting between Zelensky and French Foreign Minister Barrot

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot in Kyiv. The talks focused on strengthening the air defense system, drone production in Ukraine, military training, and integration into the EU. France condemned Russia’s latest attacks on Kyiv and expressed its readiness to exert further pressure on the Kremlin.

This was reported by the press service of the President’s Office.

The meeting between President Volodymyr Zelensky and French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot took place in Kyiv against the backdrop of new massive Russian attacks on the capital’s civilian infrastructure.

The discussion covered a number of strategic issues:

• Support for Ukraine in the field of air defense : Zelenskyy emphasized the critical need for air defense assets to protect cities and critical infrastructure.
• Development of joint production of weapons , in particular drones: according to the President, French companies have already decided to start producing drones directly in Ukraine, which will strengthen the state’s defense capabilities and reduce dependence on imports.
• Training of Ukrainian military : France will continue to assist in training specialists for new technological defense systems.
• Ukraine’s accession to the EU : Zelensky and Barrot discussed the current status of negotiations on European integration, in particular the implementation of reforms necessary for full membership.
• Strengthening sanctions against Russia : France confirmed its support for new restrictions against the Kremlin and stated its determination to pressure Putin until the aggression ends.

After the meeting, Barro visited the areas of Kyiv that were hit the day before. He posted a photo from the site of the strikes near the Lukyanivska metro station, where shops and childcare facilities were damaged.

“Last night, Russian strikes were directed at four districts of Kyiv. Metro stations, shops, kindergartens – they were all targeted by the Kremlin. As Europeans, we will continue to increase pressure on Vladimir Putin,” the minister said .

In conclusion, Zelenskyy thanked France, President Emmanuel Macron, and personally Jean-Noel Barrot for their unwavering support for Ukraine from the first days of the full-scale invasion.

It was previously reported that French Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Jean-Noel Barrot began a two-day visit to Ukraine.

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