France opposes demilitarization of Ukrainian army
Photo: French Minister of the Armed Forces Sébastien Lecornu (GettyImages)
A defense forum has started in Paris to discuss support for Ukraine and strengthening European security. French Defense Minister Sébastien Lecornu has rejected the idea of demilitarizing the Ukrainian army, according to The Guardian.
Sébastien Lecornu opened the event by emphasizing the importance of discussing the role of Europe and the West in supporting Ukraine in the context of the peace agreement with Russia.
Lecornu noted that Europe is entering a "new period" in its history, which is significantly different from the Cold War era and "the period of peace dividend" when many global powers were competing for influence.
The minister emphasized the importance of enhanced coordination between NATO and Western countries to protect the eastern flank, especially if the military presence of individual states in the region decreases in the future.
Regarding Ukraine, Lecornu emphasized the need for careful planning to support a potential ceasefire, noting that Russia has a dubious record in implementing such agreements.
At the same time, the French minister emphasized that France does not support the idea of demilitarization of the Ukrainian army, considering it critical for the future security architecture of Europe.
Vladimir Putin's aide Nikolai Patrushev said that Russia's goals in Ukraine remain unchanged. According to him, Russia remains committed to the goals that the Russian president called the justification for the invasion, confirming the immutability of the Kremlin's strategic intentions.
The analysts noted that Putin identified "demilitarization" and "denazification" of Ukraine as the main goals of the aggression, which he proclaimed on February 23, 2022. These goals include the destruction of Ukraine's ability to defend itself and the removal of the current government in favor of pro-Russian forces.
