Ukraine, France Map Next Steps

Ukraine and France discussed follow-up measures after a March 13 meeting between Presidents Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Emmanuel Macron, including defense cooperation, sanctions against Russia and potential security guarantees, Ukraine’s presidential office said April 1.

Ihor Zhovkva, deputy head of Ukraine’s presidential office, met with Benjamin Haddad, France’s minister delegate for Europe. The officials reviewed implementation of agreements reached by the two leaders and preparations for future contacts involving France, Ukraine and other European partners.

Zhovkva praised France’s efforts to counter Russia’s sanctioned tanker fleet, including the detention of a sanctioned vessel in the Mediterranean Sea. Ukraine supports proposed changes to European Union legislation that would allow authorities not only to stop such ships but also to confiscate the oil they carry, he said.

The officials also discussed Ukraine’s EU accession process. Zhovkva said Ukraine had completed the screening process and was prepared to open all six negotiating clusters once Hungary’s opposition to advancing the talks is overcome. Haddad reaffirmed France’s support for Ukraine’s EU membership and recognized the progress of its reforms.