Dmytro Kuleba/Illustrative photo
During their discussions in Kyiv, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba and his French counterpart, Stéphane Sejourne, explored various key topics. The agenda included deliberations on the continued supply of air defense systems and missiles to Ukraine, the nation’s progress towards EU and NATO membership, the inclusion of new countries in the Peace Formula initiative, and the advancement of defense cooperation.
Kuleba stated this at a joint press conference held in Kyiv, expressing gratitude to Sejourne for France’s robust support, particularly in fortifying Ukraine’s air defense capabilities. The ministers delved into plans for additional supplies, emphasizing the protection of Ukrainian skies, including measures against drones.
Coordination for the NATO Washington Summit featured prominently in their discussions, along with detailed planning for concrete steps between January and June towards Ukraine’s EU membership.
«This calendar is quite clear. We need to organize the official screening of Ukraine, decide on the approval of the negotiation framework, determine the dates for the intergovernmental conference, and hold the first intergovernmental conference. This matter aligns well with my French counterpart, and we have mutually agreed that France will support not only integration into the EU but also the adherence to specific deadlines along this path», – Kuleba said.
Kuleba expressed gratitude to his French counterpart for supporting the establishment of a €50 billion Ukrainian fund in the EU and pledged to collaborate on expanding the involvement of African, Asian, and Latin American countries in President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s Peace Formula.
The ministers also addressed defense cooperation, committing to creating optimal conditions for collaboration between defense companies, especially at the EU level. The talks extended to the frozen Russian assets issue and the proposal for a special tribunal to hold the terrorist country accountable.
«We acknowledge that there are certain legal reservations in both cases. Nevertheless, we are prepared to explore reasonable and balanced solutions to implement both of these initiatives», – Kuleba said.