In a defiant statement ahead of key NATO-related discussions, French Defense Minister Sébastien Lecornu declared France’s “absolute red line” in the Ukraine conflict: demilitarizing Ukraine while denying it NATO membership. Lecornu told Valeurs Actuelles that Europe cannot accept a defenseless Ukraine outside NATO, directly rejecting Russia's long-standing demands for a neutral, demilitarized Ukraine.
Russia, in contrast, insists any peace deal must address its security concerns — including Ukraine’s NATO ambition and military status. Lecornu's remarks come ahead of a UK-French push to reshape Ukraine’s post-war military under a Western “coalition of the willing.” Meanwhile, Moscow warns such moves will escalate the war, with foreign forces seen as “legitimate targets.” Tensions mount as Putin claims Ukraine reneged on the 2022 Istanbul terms that would’ve imposed limits on its army. The future of Ukraine’s military — and its place in Europe — hangs in the balance.
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