Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Andrii Sybiha: "I spoke with my French colleague and friend, Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot. I thanked France for its leadership within the Coalition of the Willing and for co-chairing, together with the UK and Germany, the Coalition’s Summit in Kyiv on Ukraine’s Independence Day, August 24. 

I briefed my colleague on the increasingly deteriorating situation in the Black Sea. Russia is deliberately escalating attacks on ports and maritime routes at the peak of the harvest season, threatening Ukraine’s economy, freedom of navigation, and global food security. We discussed how we can work on practical steps to keep maritime routes open and secure. 

We discussed Ukraine’s urgent air defence needs, particularly additional interceptors to counter Russia’s growing ballistic threat. Protecting our skies remains an absolute priority. 

We also focused on energy resilience and preparations for the coming winter. Russia will continue trying to weaponize winter and target our energy infrastructure. Stronger air defence remains an essential part of protecting it. 

I stressed that pressure on Russia must become more systematic and predictable. Every major Russian attack should be followed by a sanctions response.  

We need anti-ballistic sanctions targeting the entire ecosystem behind Russia’s missile and drone production, as well as renewed international action on frozen Russian assets so that Russian money can serve Ukraine’s defence and help bring this war to an end sooner. 

I thanked France for its strong support for Ukraine’s EU membership and the earliest possible opening of the remaining negotiation clusters.  

We also coordinated our positions on ongoing peace efforts and the important role of a united Europe in advancing them. A strong European voice and close coordination are essential to achieving a comprehensive and lasting peace and strengthening our shared security. 

Grateful to France for its steadfast support and to Jean-Noël for our close coordination."