Jean-Noël Barrot, the Minister of Europe and Foreign Affairs of France, arrived in Kyiv on the morning of July 21, immediately visiting Lukyanivka—a district that was affected by a massive missile strike from Russia on the night of July 21.
This is reported by Kyiv24
Visit of the French Minister: Support for Ukraine and Response to Shelling
Upon arriving in the capital, Barrot emphasized the difficult security situation in Kyiv. He visited a location near the metro station in Lukyanivka, which served as a shelter during the attack but itself became a target of shelling. The French diplomat highlighted that residents of Kyiv, including staff from the French embassy, were forced to take refuge in these shelters on the night following the attack.
“Our embassy staff, like all residents of Kyiv, had to go to the shelter from 3 AM to 5 AM. The shelters, which are no longer completely safe, as the metro station near me that serves as a shelter for the residents of Kyiv became a target of the attack. This occurred at the same time when President Zelensky announced on Saturday morning Ukraine’s readiness to enter into new negotiations with Russia,” said Jean-Noël Barrot.
Sanctions Against Russia and Future Negotiations
The Minister specifically noted the significance of the recently adopted 18th package of European Union sanctions against the Russian Federation, which, according to him, will significantly increase economic pressure on the Kremlin and compel the Russian authorities to reconsider their policy regarding the war in Ukraine. Barrot emphasized that the tightening of sanctions aims to raise the cost of this aggression for Putin, to encourage a ceasefire and initiate negotiations for a just and lasting peace.
During his two-day visit to Ukraine, Jean-Noël Barrot plans to hold talks with President Volodymyr Zelensky, Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko, and Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha. Central to the discussions is France’s support for Ukraine. As part of his visit, the French minister will also visit the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant.