“It must be recognized, I believe that now is clear as rock water that the only obstacle to peace in Ukraine today is Vladimir Putin,” said Barrot in an interview with AFP, stressing that Ukraine had “held its share of the market”. The French minister spoke shortly after meeting his American counterpart Marco Rubio in the State Department.
“We had an exchange without filter which allowed us to coordinate closely, but also to act the convergence of our objectives on regional and international crises, since we want to act in concert,” said Barrot after meeting the American Secretary of State in the morning.
Ukraine “accepted an unconditional ceasefire and yesterday it agreed to conclude an agreement on critical minerals with the United States which, according to the declarations of Ukrainian officials, corresponds I would say to the expectations which were those of Ukraine to engage with the United States but also other countries of economic cooperation,” said Barrot.
“And during this time, Russia of Vladimir Putin had no effort, has made no sign that it is ready for ceasefire and peace to which President Donald Trump aspires and to whom Europeans aspire and obviously the Ukrainians,” he said.
17th package of sanctions
The head of French diplomacy has not dismissed the possibility that France, which according to him has an “expertise” in terms of rare land, could conclude an economic agreement with Ukraine.
He also indicated that Europeans were preparing a new series of sanctions against Russia, which they wish to coordinate with the United States, in the event of Moscow continuous refusal of any ceasefire in Ukraine.
