France is serious and attentive regarding the ongoing diplomatic process about the war in Ukraine, but remains cautious about its prospects. Ambassador of the French Republic to Ukraine Gaël Veyssière stated this during the Kyiv Security Forum Special Session on the Global Situation and the Prospects for Peace in Ukraine "12 Years of Russia's War Against Ukraine. What Comes Next?"

From October to November last year, there was a significant increase in meetings and contacts, especially through the Coalition of the Willing in Germany, the UK, and other countries. At the same time, the key question determining the future of these efforts is whether russia is ready for real negotiations," Gaël Veyssière said.

The ambassador noted that the kremlin's actions give rise to doubts. After all, the continuation of strikes on Ukrainian energy infrastructure against the backdrop of a relatively stable situation at the front indicates deliberate pressure on the civilian population, which is a war crime in itself.

"We take these negotiations very seriously. However, the question is how far this process can be taken. It depends primarily on whether russia is interested in genuine negotiations. So far, there are serious doubts about this," he said.

Gaël Veyssière asserts that there is currently insufficient international pressure on russia to achieve genuine solutions in the short term. Therefore, he believes that the situation may remain without significant changes until spring.

According to him, France supports diplomatic efforts and is prepared to take practical steps, such as providing possible security guarantees within the Coalition of the Willing and offering future economic aid packages through the European Commission's mechanisms. However, he emphasised that such decisions should be made with the participation of the European countries themselves.

The ambassador also emphasised that France had previously limited its contacts with russia, considering them fruitless. Exceptions were made only in certain international contexts. Today, the situation has changed somewhat: the diplomatic process has revived with the involvement of the United States, and Paris has recognized the importance of establishing its own communication channel with moscow given Europe's security, which is directly linked to Ukraine's security.

"This is not a negotiation or a breakthrough. It's just the opening of a channel that was closed. It will remain open if it is useful, depending on the situation," the ambassador said.

He emphasised that, if this track is activated, France will inform its partners, especially the President of Ukraine, in advance. However, it is essential for Paris that any diplomatic steps are transparent and coordinated with Kyiv.

Open Ukraine is an international foundation established by Arseniy Yatsenyuk in July 2007 to strengthen Ukraine's authority in the world. The foundation organises the Kyiv Security Forum every year. This leading international discussion platform focuses on issues of war and peace. The foundation also organises the Youth Kyiv Security Forum to develop a new generation of Ukrainian leaders.