This is the first foreign visit of the Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs of France, Stéphane Séjourné, after taking office.
The parties discussed defense support for Ukraine, the continuation of sanctions pressure against the russian federation, the implementation of the Peace Formula of the President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyi, as well as Ukraine's European and Euro-Atlantic integration.
First of all, the Speaker of the Parliament of Ukraine thanked France for its comprehensive support, emphasizing that Ukraine greatly appreciates the defense support provided by France. “In many issues you have been leaders in providing assistance to Ukraine,” said Ruslan Stefanchuk, expressing hope that this level of support for Ukraine in terms of arms will continue in the future.
During the meeting, the parties discussed strengthening the defense partnership between the two countries and continuing the preparation of the Agreement between Ukraine and France on the provision of security guarantees to our country.
In terms of further military support, Ruslan Stefanchuk outlined a list of Ukraine's urgent needs, primarily the supply of long-range weapons and additional means to protect its airspace.
In addition, the Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine expressed gratitude to France for supporting the Peace Formula of the President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyi. He noted that he expects further active support from France and its leadership role in advocating the Ukrainian plan among other countries, in particular, those in Africa, Asia and Latin America.
“It is important to prevent russia's attempts to circumvent the existing restrictions,” emphasized Ruslan Stefanchuk, thanking France for the decision to freeze russia's assets. “Ukrainian and French parliamentarians should work together to find a legislative formula to ensure a mechanism for transferring these assets to Ukraine,” he said.
The Speaker of the Parliament of Ukraine expressed gratitude to France for its active position in opening negotiations on Ukraine's full membership in the European Union. He said that Ukraine is working on the adoption of the relevant laws as fast as possible. Ruslan Stefanchuk also emphasized that he hopes France will support Ukraine's membership in the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, as this decision is crucial for Ukraine.
For his part, the French Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Stéphane Séjourné emphasized that his first foreign visit to Ukraine in his new position is an embodiment of France's will and desire to continue to provide Ukraine with long-term sustainable support for as long as necessary in this confrontation with aggression.