French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot arrived in Kyiv on Monday for a two-day visit aimed at reaffirming France’s steadfast support for Ukraine as the war with Russia grinds into its third year.
Barrot’s visit began just hours after a barrage of Russian drone and missile strikes hit the Ukrainian capital, killing at least two civilians and injuring 15 others, according to President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. The attacks damaged metro stations, shops, kindergartens, and preschools across four districts.
“Last night, Russian strikes targeted four districts of Kyiv. Metro stations, shops, kindergartens, and preschools all bore the brunt of the Kremlin’s deadly violence,” Barrot wrote on X. “As Europeans, we will continue to increase pressure on Vladimir Putin.”
Russia’s Defense Ministry claimed responsibility for the strikes, stating they targeted Ukraine’s military-industrial enterprises and airfield infrastructure.
Barrot, who traveled to Kyiv by train, is attending the Ukrainian Ambassadors’ Conference as guest of honor. He emphasized France’s “unwavering support for the sovereignty, territorial integrity, and freedom of the Ukrainian people”.
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha welcomed Barrot’s presence, calling it “a recognition of your personal commitment and France’s leadership.” President Zelenskyy, who convened the ambassadors’ meeting earlier this month, said the conference would outline new diplomatic reforms and strategic goals.
Barrot is also expected to meet with Zelenskyy, Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko, and other senior officials to discuss further French assistance, including military, humanitarian, and nuclear safety support. His itinerary includes a visit to the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant, where France has contributed to post-occupation rehabilitation efforts.
The visit comes days after the European Union imposed new sanctions on Russia, including a reduced price cap on Russian oil exports to third countries.
