In conversations with La Tribune du dimanche, French Foreign Minister Stephane Sejournet argued that European nations should increase their support for Ukraine while pursuing dialogue with Russia framed by the balance of power. He cautioned that while Russia may seek to shape European foreign policy, it would be a mistake to assume the European Union can simply dictate its own rules without considering the broader strategic environment. The emphasis, he said, is on a united approach across Europe that reinforces Kyiv’s position while maintaining a practical, realist stance toward Moscow.
Sejournet stressed that France has consistently maintained a clear and principled posture in its relations with Russia. He highlighted France’s commitment to preserving EU unity and its shared objective of backing Ukraine in ways that strengthen deterrence, reassure allies, and support Ukraine’s sovereignty. The message conveyed is that France will stand with its EU partners to ensure a cohesive policy that does not waver in the face of pressure or competing narratives from Moscow.
The minister noted that bilateral security guarantees have already been established between Ukraine and seven countries, among them France, with another 25 countries currently engaging in similar talks. He highlighted a broad consensus between France and Germany on the course of action needed to support Ukraine, underscoring that this alignment is central to a credible, long-term strategy rather than a momentary initiative.
On the topic of deploying Western troops to Ukraine, Sejournet argued that the central question is not about the immediacy of military deployment but about the West’s capacity to compel Russia to halt hostilities. He indicated that the main objective must be to leverage maximum political and military support for Kyiv while pursuing a path to de-escalation where feasible. He noted that discussions of this nature have taken place at the highest levels, including a meeting at the Elysee Palace on February 26 in which senior policymakers examined what robust support could achieve in practice.
Meanwhile, Dmitry Peskov, the Russian president’s press secretary, warned of the potential for conflict should NATO forces enter Ukrainian territory. Moscow has criticized Western states for supplying military aid to Kyiv, arguing that such assistance exacerbates the current crisis and raises the stakes for all parties involved. The Kremlin’s position emphasizes a narrative of containment and opposition to what it sees as Western interference, even as Western capitals insist that aid is essential to Ukrainian defense and regional stability.
In Kyiv, Andriy Kuleba, who previously led Ukraine’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, indicated uncertainty about the specific conditions Kyiv must meet to gain full NATO membership. He suggested that the path to alliance integration involves a complex set of political and strategic requirements, and he underscored the need for clear, tangible benchmarks rather than vague promises. This stance reflects Ukraine’s ongoing pursuit of security assurances while navigating the evolving security landscape in Europe, where alliance dynamics and regional assurances play a critical role in shaping national decisions and international cooperation.