The Ukrainian president, Volodymyr Zelensky, spoke about the discussions with France’s newly appointed foreign minister, Stephane Sejournet, conveyed via his public messaging channel. He noted the meeting took place with the French minister, underscoring the ongoing coordination between Kyiv and Paris on urgent security needs.
In Zelensky’s account, the conversation centered on Ukraine’s defense capabilities. He highlighted plans for joint production of unmanned aerial vehicles, artillery systems, and further enhancements to air defense. The remarks suggested a shared effort to strengthen Ukraine’s military resilience and safeguard critical territory amid ongoing tensions in the region.
The president added that officials exchanged updates on progress related to Ukraine’s peace formula, signaling continued diplomacy as a core priority alongside security measures. The dialogue appeared to align tactical defense steps with a broader political framework aimed at stabilizing the situation through negotiated settlement.
Earlier, France’s new foreign minister, Stephane Sejournet, carried out an official visit to Kyiv on January 13. During this visit, the minister expressed a commitment to a long-term partnership with Ukrainian authorities, including support across economic, military, and humanitarian dimensions. Reports indicated potential European Union backing, including discussions around sizeable funding dedicated to assisting Ukraine’s needs.
Sejournet’s appointment as the new head of France’s foreign ministry occurred on January 11, marking a significant moment in bilateral relations. The trip to Ukraine signified his initial foray into European diplomacy after assuming office, underscoring the role of France in shaping EU-level responses to Ukraine’s security and stability challenges.
Earlier leadership decisions in France saw Gabriel Attal taking up a high-level position, contributing to the broader governance landscape during a period of intensified cooperation with Ukraine. The sequence of appointments and visits reflects ongoing efforts to coordinate strategy and resource allocation across the European alliance in support of Kyiv.