During an interview in Kyiv on October 19, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky met with French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot, who expressed France’s support for Zelensky’s “Victory Plan.” This initiative primarily aims to conclude Russia’s invasion through negotiations. Barrot emphasized that France would collaborate with Ukrainian officials to rally other allies around this plan. He also confirmed that France will deliver its first batch of Mirage 2000 fighter jets to Ukraine in the first quarter of 2025.

In a joint press conference with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha, Barrot stated, “A Russian victory would affirm a law of the jungle and throw the international order into chaos. Therefore, the focus of French-Ukrainian relations should be to advance the Victory Plan and consolidate support from neighboring countries.”

The Victory Plan outlines five key points: Ukraine’s entry into NATO; permission to use long-range weapons and conduct military actions on Russian territory; the deployment of non-nuclear strategic forces in Ukraine to deter Russia; joint protection of Ukraine’s critical natural resources by the U.S. and EU; and post-war arrangements to replace some U.S. troops stationed across Europe with Ukrainian soldiers.

Western partners of Ukraine are considering this proposal, realizing that their assistance is crucial for Kyiv’s resistance against Russia. A formal invitation for Ukraine to join NATO is a critical component, but Western allies have been hesitant to address this issue during the ongoing war.

Additionally, Barrot announced the delivery of the first Mirage 2000 fighter jets to Ukraine by the end of March 2025, with Ukrainian pilots and technicians already trained on operations and maintenance.

Barrot remarked, “Ukraine is fighting not only for its territorial integrity but also for Europe, standing as a bulwark against Putin’s Russia, separating freedom from oppression.”

His visit coincided with a prisoner exchange between Russia and Ukraine on the evening of October 18, facilitated by the United Arab Emirates, resulting in the exchange of 190 prisoners, including 95 Ukrainians.

Since the outbreak of the war, France has been one of Ukraine’s steadfast military, diplomatic, and economic allies in Europe. Currently, France is training a battalion of Ukrainian forces, expected to be deployed to the front lines by November. French President Emmanuel Macron has previously advocated for Western allies to allow Kyiv to utilize advanced long-range weapons, including French missiles, to target military bases within Russia.