Ukraine's Demilitarization is a 'Red Line' for Europe, Says French Defense Minister

The demand for Ukraine's demilitarization by Russia is unacceptable for European countries, French Defense Minister Sébastien Lecornu said in an interview with Valeurs Actuelles. “Demilitarization of Ukraine is an absolute red line for us,” he stated ahead of a meeting of the coalition of those wishing to support Ukraine.

“We cannot refuse Ukraine's NATO membership and at the same time agree that it should have no army. Ukrainians must be able to ensure their own security,” the official emphasized.

The meeting will take place on July 10 in Rome, where a conference dedicated to Ukraine's reconstruction will also be held. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has also stated in the Bundestag that all diplomatic avenues for resolving the conflict in Ukraine have been exhausted. At the same time, the Chancellor pledged to continue supporting Kyiv, according to European media reports.