France Sets Strict Conditions for Starting Peace Negotiations in Ukraine
French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barro, during his visit to Kyiv, expressed a clear stance regarding the conditions for initiating peace negotiations in the ongoing Ukraine conflict.
He emphasized that the primary prerequisite for any dialogue should be a complete cessation of hostilities on the frontlines, not the capitulation of one side.
According to him, peace negotiations cannot become a process of coercion where one party dictates its terms — they must take into account the interests of both nations.
Barro pointed out that Russia continues to impose unilateral and excessive demands, complicating any prospects for diplomatic progress.
He recalled that five months ago, Ukraine even expressed readiness for a short 30-day ceasefire, supported by the United States, but Moscow has yet to respond accordingly, instead issuing ultimatums.
The minister stressed that negotiations during active hostilities are impossible and that dialogue can only happen after the end of fighting and the restoration of peace.
He also noted that in 2022, peace initiatives were sabotaged due to atrocities committed in Bucha and Izyum, which exposed Moscow’s true intentions.
Finally, Barro announced that immediately after the approval of the EU’s 18th sanctions package against Russia, France began preparing additional restrictive measures, believing that sanctions pressure can force Moscow to return to genuine dialogue.
He also mentioned President Donald Trump’s demand for a 50-day deadline to end the war.