Ukraine, France: ‘Putin in the EU only if he brings about a ceasefire’

Brussels, 20 October (LaPresse) – “It is useful for the American authorities to continue their exchanges and discussions with the Russian authorities. But let’s be clear, Vladimir Putin’s presence on European Union territory only makes sense if it leads to an immediate and unconditional ceasefire. Furthermore, Putin has an interest in accepting the principle of an immediate ceasefire, because time is not on his side.” This was stated by French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot upon his arrival at the Foreign Affairs Council in Luxembourg. ‘Vladimir Putin’s regime,’ he added, ‘is failing militarily, politically and economically,’ ‘its economy is in agony, suffocated by the war effort in Ukraine, by Ukrainian attacks that have blocked a fifth of Russia’s refining capacity, and then by the sanctions that Vladimir Putin continues to impose on his own people.’