Asger Risom
French Foreign Minister makes blunt assessment as US and Ukraine sign major reconstruction deal
As Western leaders intensify their search for a resolution to the war in Ukraine, France’s top diplomat has made one of the strongest statements yet about the role of Russia’s president. Speaking Thursday, Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot declared Vladimir Putin to be “the only obstacle” standing in the way of peace.
The remark, made during an interview with Agence France-Presse, followed a major economic agreement signed between the United States and Ukraine the previous day in Washington.
The timing underscores a renewed push among Western powers to coordinate reconstruction and political pressure as the war enters its fourth year.
A Sharp Message from Paris
“Let us be clear,” Barrot said. “It is now obvious that the only obstacle to peace in Ukraine is Vladimir Putin.”
His comments reflect growing frustration in European capitals, where efforts to broker a durable ceasefire have repeatedly faltered.
Barrot’s statement comes amid broader diplomatic activity, including talks involving Kyiv, Washington, and several EU partners.
But the French minister’s language marks a notable departure from more measured tones adopted in past months. It suggests an increasingly direct attribution of blame to the Kremlin for the prolonged conflict.
Economic Support, but Few Security Guarantees
The US-Ukraine agreement signed Wednesday aims to boost Ukraine’s postwar recovery by establishing a bilateral investment fund. According to reports, the fund will be jointly managed and financed by both countries, with a particular focus on access to Ukraine’s natural resources.
However, the deal does not appear to include firm security guarantees against future Russian aggression—an omission noted by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, who has repeatedly called for such assurances.
As Digi24 reports, the French stance reflects a growing view in Europe that diplomatic efforts cannot proceed meaningfully while Moscow maintains maximalist demands and refuses to engage on equal terms.