France Condemns Russia’s Aggression Against Ukraine

France continues to express its condemnation of Russia‘s illegal aggression against Ukraine, according to a statement made by French representative Nicolas de Riviere to the United Nations Security Council. The ongoing war, which began in February 2022, has led to significant suffering and human rights violations for the Ukrainian people.

Russian forces have been relentlessly attacking civilian populations in violation of international humanitarian law, using tactics such as Shaheed drones. The infrastructure of Ukraine, particularly its energy infrastructure, has also been targeted, exacerbating the situation for the population. Over 17 million people now require humanitarian assistance.

France has committed 300 million euros to address the urgent humanitarian needs and rehabilitate essential infrastructures. The country remains steadfast in providing support to Ukraine for its legitimate defense and will continue to support Ukrainian jurisdictions and the International Criminal Court in fighting against impunity.

France calls on Russia to end its aggression and withdraw its troops from Ukrainian territory, as demanded by the International Court of Justice and the General Assembly. The restoration of Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity is crucial for a just and lasting peace. France also emphasizes the global consequences of the war, particularly in terms of food insecurity.

Russia’s unilateral decision to not renew the Black Sea grain initiative and continued attacks on Ukrainian ports highlight its use of food as a weapon. France and the European Union have been working to support Ukrainian agriculture and ensure Ukrainian agricultural products reach world markets through solidarity corridors.

France is increasing its contribution to the World Food Program, allocating €166 million in 2023 to support demining of agricultural land in Ukraine using artificial intelligence. Additionally, France remains dedicated to assisting vulnerable countries with food insecurity, with over 950 million euros allocated for food aid in 2023. Participation in upcoming summits, such as the “Grain from Ukraine” summit and the Global Food Security Summit, underscores France’s commitment to tackling these issues.