Ukraine’s ‘victory plan’ to end the ongoing war with Russia includes seeking formal invitation into NATO, a move that has been met with reluctance by Western allies. French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot has expressed support for Ukraine’s proposal and pledged to work with Ukrainian officials to secure backing from other nations. Barrot emphasized the importance of preventing a Russian victory, which he believes would disrupt the international order and lead to chaos. France has been a strong supporter of Ukraine since the 2022 invasion, providing military, diplomatic, and economic assistance.
France is currently assisting Ukraine in training and equipping a new brigade of soldiers for front-line deployment. French President Emmanuel Macron has advocated for a policy change that would allow Ukraine to strike Russian military bases with long-range weapons provided by Western partners. However, there has been reluctance among Kyiv’s allies to approve such actions. Barrot announced that France will deliver Mirage 2000 combat jets to Ukraine in early 2025, with Ukrainian personnel trained to operate and maintain them.
Barrot praised the courage of Ukrainian forces in standing up to the invader and emphasized the importance of defending Ukraine’s territorial integrity as well as holding the line against Russian aggression. The French minister highlighted the significance of Ukraine’s resistance in preserving freedom and democracy in Europe. The ‘victory plan’ put forth by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy aims to compel Russia to end its invasion through negotiations, with the support of Western allies playing a crucial role in achieving this goal.
The proposal to invite Ukraine into NATO has been a controversial issue among Western partners, who have been hesitant to consider such a move until the war with Russia comes to an end. Barrot stressed the need to rally as many countries as possible around Zelenskyy’s plan to prevent a Russian victory and uphold the principles of the international order. The French minister’s visit to Kyiv and his endorsement of Ukraine’s strategy reflect France’s commitment to supporting Ukraine in its efforts to resist Russian aggression and defend its sovereignty.
As part of the ‘victory plan’, Ukraine has called for long-range strikes on Russian military targets, a tactic that has been met with caution by Western allies. Macron’s proposal to provide Ukraine with advanced weaponry to carry out such strikes has raised concerns among some countries. Despite the challenges and complexities involved in implementing the plan, Barrot’s reassurance of France’s support and assistance in delivering combat jets to Ukraine demonstrates the country’s commitment to aiding Ukraine in its fight against Russian forces.
In conclusion, Ukraine’s ‘victory plan’ represents a strategic approach to ending the war with Russia through negotiations and international support. France’s backing of Ukraine’s proposal and its pledge to provide military assistance underscore the country’s solid partnership with Ukraine. By standing with Ukraine and advocating for measures to counter Russian aggression, France is reaffirming its commitment to upholding freedom, democracy, and the international order in Europe. The success of Ukraine’s plan hinges on the cooperation and support of Western allies, who play a crucial role in helping Kyiv resist Russian invasion and secure its territorial integrity.
