U.S. secretary of state, French foreign minister discuss support for Ukraine

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and France's new Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Catherine Colonna have discussed a joint response to Russia's aggression and support for Ukraine.

That's according to the U.S. Department of State, Ukrinform reports.

"The Secretary and Foreign Minister Colonna agreed on the importance of continuing steadfast support to Ukraine and maintaining significant costs to President Putin for his war of choice," the statement said.

Both parties discussed steps the United States and France could take together to support EU accession paths for countries that qualify for membership. The two countries' foreign ministers also touched upon the NATO Alliance, including how best to support Finland and Sweden’s bids to join NATO and key issues ahead of the Madrid summit.

Blinken and Colonna agreed on the need to respond to the urgent food security and nutrition needs of millions of people in vulnerable situations around the world, which have been exacerbated by Russia’s continued brutal war in Ukraine.