Ukraine and France Coordinated Next Steps Following the Leaders’ Meeting in Paris and Preparations for Upcoming Contacts

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Deputy Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine, Ihor Zhovkva, held a meeting with the Minister Delegate for Europe attached to the Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs of France, Benjamin Haddad.

Ihor Zhovkva thanked France and Benjamin Haddad personally for their support for Ukraine and our people.

The main topic of discussion was the coordination of next steps following the meeting between the President of Ukraine and the President of France held in Paris on March 13. The parties discussed the implementation of the agreements reached, work within the Coalition of the Willing, the development of defense cooperation, increasing sanctions pressure on Russia, and security guarantees. They also addressed preparations for upcoming contacts between the leaders, both bilaterally and in a broader format with the participation of European partners.

The Deputy Head of the Presidential Office noted France's efforts to counter Russia's tanker fleet, in particular the detention of a sanctioned tanker in the Mediterranean Sea. Ukraine supports France's position on the need for changes at the level of EU legislation. Work must be done to ensure the ability not only to stop such vessels but also to confiscate the oil they carry. This is especially relevant now, as amid the global crisis, restrictions have already been weakened more than once, allowing Russia to replenish its war budget.

The parties also discussed Ukraine's European integration progress. Ihor Zhovkva stressed that our country has successfully completed the screening process and is ready to open all six negotiation clusters immediately once the negotiation process is unblocked by Hungary.

"It was France that, in 2022, became the driving force in overcoming the skepticism of some European countries regarding granting Ukraine candidate status. Therefore, we now count on Paris to play a strategic role in overcoming all obstacles on Ukraine's path to EU membership," the Deputy Head of the Office of the President said.

Benjamin Haddad assured that his country's position is clear and principled: France supports Ukraine's accession to the European Union and recognizes the quality of the reforms carried out.