France's Backing for Ukraine's War End Plan

French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot has shown support for Ukraine's plan to end the war with Russia, which was revealed by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. This plan aims to force Russia to stop its invasion through negotiations. A crucial part of this plan is Ukraine's desire to join NATO, something its Western allies have been hesitant to consider until the war ends. Barrot spoke about this during a press conference in Kyiv with his Ukrainian counterpart, Andrii Sybiha. He warned that a Russian victory could lead to chaos in the international order. He also emphasized the importance of rallying as many countries as possible behind Ukraine's plan. France has been a strong supporter of Ukraine since the 2022 invasion, providing military, diplomatic, and economic aid. It is currently training and equipping a new brigade of Ukrainian soldiers. French President Emmanuel Macron has advocated for a change in policy that would allow Ukraine to use advanced long-range weapons provided by Western partners. Long-range strikes are part of Zelenskyy's five-point plan, but Ukraine's allies have been cautious about this. Barrot announced that France will deliver Mirage 2000 combat jets to Ukraine in the first quarter of 2025, along with training for Ukrainian pilots and mechanics. "Your resistance against the invader is not just for Ukraine's territorial integrity, " Barrot said in Kyiv. "You are also holding a front line that separates Europe from Vladimir Putin's Russia, and freedom from oppression. "