Shweta Desai
25 February 2022•Update: 25 February 2022
PARIS
France said Friday that it is in a position to help Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy if he chooses to leave the country, as concerns about his safety grew amid increased Russian bombardment around capital Kyiv.
Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian told FranceInter news that Zelenskyy's security is crucial under the current developments in Ukraine. "His security is a central element of what is happening, and we are in a position to be able to help him, if necessary, but it is important that he takes his place."
The minister added that he is struck by Zelenskyy's ability to maintain coolness, with the mastery of his words and the way he addresses his people, at a time of tremendous political and military pressure.
In a televised address, Zelenskyy stated that he and his family will continue to stay in the capital Kyiv. "The enemy has marked me down as the number one target. My family is the number two target. They want to destroy Ukraine politically by destroying the head of state… I am staying in Kyiv with my people, and so does my family."
Responding to Zelenskyy's complaint that Ukraine was left alone to defend itself against the might of Russian power, Defense Minister Florence Parly claimed that they have delivered military equipment to Kyiv and assured to send more military hardware "very quickly."
"We don't deliver military equipment like we deliver humanitarian aid. These are equipment that is subject to rules," Parly told RTL news.
She added that her ministry is currently considering other requests from Ukraine, which will be delivered later.
She dismissed the notion of Moscow's reprisal against countries that have come to Ukraine's aid, saying France has "never subordinated our arms export policy to the decisions and wishes of Russia."
The French government has also expressed concern over the ongoing Russian operations and the risk that they may be extended to Moldova and Georgia. For now, France has denied sending troops to Ukraine, but President Emmanuel Macron has announced the deployment of French soldiers to Romania.
