French Foreign Minister: Russia Must Agree to Ceasefire or Reject It

French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot demands a response from Russia to the U.S. proposal for a ceasefire in the war with Ukraine, even if the response is negative.

He made this statement at a joint press conference with British counterpart David Lammy in Brussels, as reported by European Pravda.

Minister Barrot confirmed that on Friday, military leaders from several countries participating in the Coalition of the Willing will arrive in Ukraine. Their aim is to discuss security guarantees with the Ukrainians.

“A strong Ukrainian army must be the first level of guaranteeing peace. That is why our military leadership will be in Kyiv today,” he said.

He also added that France and the United Kingdom were in contact with the United States, offering scenarios for monitoring the ceasefire.

The French Foreign Minister believes that Ukraine “made an important concession” by agreeing to the U.S. proposal for an unconditional ceasefire. Russia, on the other hand, is acting contrary to this agreement, “continuing strikes on energy infrastructure and committing war crimes,” and has not yet provided a final response regarding its readiness for a ceasefire.

“Now Russia must respond to the U.S. proposal. Whether it is a yes or no answer, there must be a quick response,” Barrot emphasized.

The French minister also expressed confidence that Russia will not actually agree to a ceasefire.

“The Ukrainians want peace, but Putin has a different view. He proves this with strikes on energy infrastructure and also by announcing a new conscription of 160,000 soldiers last week, the largest draft in the last 14 years. So Vladimir Putin is definitely not showing a desire for a ceasefire or negotiations,” the official stated.

The Coalition of the Willing

Many European countries have declared their readiness or at least have not ruled out the possibility of deploying their peacekeeping contingents in Ukraine in the event of a resolution to the war and the cessation of hostilities.

So far, relevant statements have been made by, among others, Greece, Denmark, Canada, Australia, Sweden, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, France, Portugal, Turkey, Lithuania, and Latvia.

Against this backdrop, Russia will carry out its largest conscription for compulsory military service in the last 14 years. From April 1 to July 15, 2025, they plan to conscript 160,000 people aged 18 to 30.