Zelenskyy discusses defense support with visiting French FM Barrot in Kyiv
French diplomat reiterates need to help Kyiv, increase pressure on Russia to achieve ceasefire

ISTANBUL
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Monday held talks with visiting French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot in Kyiv, who reaffirmed his country's support for Ukraine against Russia.
"We discussed defense support, particularly with air defense assets, training for our warriors, and the outcomes of the Ramstein meetings. We are ready to expand joint defense production," Zelenskyy said on X after the talks.
"There is a decision by French companies to begin manufacturing drones in Ukraine — and this is highly valuable. We also addressed sanctions against Russia and Ukraine’s EU accession talks."
He thanked his French counterpart Emmanuel Macron, and Barrot for the support since the initial days of the war that started in February 2022, saying: "Thank you for your solidarity with our people!"
Barrot said they need to continue their efforts to help Kyiv "protect the Ukrainian people" and increase pressure on Russia to achieve a ceasefire.
"This will allow for the start of genuine peace negotiations that will lead to a just and sustainable peace," he was quoted as saying in a statement by the Ukrainian presidency, which noted that Barrot also participated in a meeting of Ukrainian ambassadors.
Barrot, who arrived in Kyiv earlier Monday, visited impact sites in the capital following an overnight attack by Russia. Zelenskyy said the strikes killed at least two people and injured 15 others.
Russia's Defense Ministry said on Telegram that it conducted a group strike on "enterprises of the military-industrial complex of Ukraine and the infrastructure of military airfields," claiming it struck its targets.
"Last night, Russian strikes targeted four districts of Kyiv. Metro stations, shops, kindergartens, and preschools all bore the brunt of the Kremlin's deadly violence," Barrot said.
"As Europeans, we will continue to increase pressure on (Russian President) Vladimir Putin."
Last week, the French diplomat told journalists in Brussels that he would travel to Kyiv at the invitation of Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha to “reaffirm France’s and Europe’s support for the Ukrainian resistance."
Zelenskyy announced the meeting of all Ukrainian ambassadors during an evening video address earlier this month, noting that clear tasks have been set for diplomats in addition to several reform steps within the ministry.
“These will be presented by the Minister. We are preparing to significantly expand the capabilities of Ukrainian diplomacy,” he said.
France, along with the UK, is leading a so-called "coalition of the willing" which envisages deploying troops in post-war Ukraine. The grouping will have its headquarters in Paris and then in London after the first 12 months.
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