Adherence to Franco-British ceasefire format prerequisite for starting peace talks – Barrot

This was stated by the French Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, Jean-Noël Barrot, in an interview with France Inter following the summit in London, as reported by Ukrinform.

"This is a prerequisite because this ceasefire in the air, at sea, and in energy infrastructure will allow demonstrating Vladimir Putin's goodwill when he commits to respecting it. Then, real peace talks can begin because we want peace, but we want a strong and lasting peace," emphasized Barrot.

According to him, the risk of war on the European continent has never been higher.

"In order to put an end to Russia's aggressive war in Ukraine, we want the United States, through pressure, to bring Vladimir Putin to the negotiating table and agree once and for all to end his imperialist ambitions, which are pushing the front lines closer and closer to our homes," he said.

Barrot also stated that the United States naturally must be on Ukraine's side, and their refusal to help Ukraine would be an acknowledgment of America's weakness.

"I believe that it is in the interests of the United States; it is even their natural destiny to be on the side of Ukraine. If Ukraine capitulated, it would not only be a dreadful piece of news for that country, a dreadful piece of news for Europeans, but also a dreadful recognition of weakness for the United States. This is the spirit in which we exchange thoughts at all levels with the U.S. administration," explained the minister.

As Ukrinform reported, a summit dedicated to Ukraine took place in London, where the leaders of the countries emphasized that the basis for a potential ceasefire should be strong security guarantees.

French President Emmanuel Macron shared details of the Franco-British plan for Ukraine, which includes a ceasefire in the air, at sea, and in energy infrastructure lasting a month, the adherence to which can be measured.

Photo: LP/Arnaud Journois