On Saturday, October 19th, the foreign ministers of France and Ukraine held a joint press conference in Kyiv, stating that if the regular North Korean army gets involved in supporting Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the war will escalate significantly.
Jean-Noel Barrot, the French Foreign Minister, visited Ukraine for the first time since taking office in September. He is set to visit the eastern region of the country on Sunday, where France will sponsor two new children’s protection centers to provide education and assistance to children affected by the conflict.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy stated in a speech to parliament on Wednesday, October 16th, that Ukrainian intelligence has confirmed North Korea provided weapons and personnel to Russia.
He reiterated on Thursday that the latest intelligence indicates North Korea is preparing to deploy ten thousand soldiers to assist Russia in invading Ukraine. However, NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte stated that there is currently no evidence to support this accusation.
Barrot stated in Kyiv, “This (North Korean military involvement) would be serious and would push the conflict into a new stage, an additional escalation phase.” He added that such a move also indicates Moscow’s difficulties in the war.
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha expressed that this action poses a “massive” risk of escalation of the conflict.
He said, “This is a huge threat of further escalation of Russian aggression against Ukraine. There is a high risk it will expand beyond the current scale and borders of the war.”
Additionally, Barrot mentioned that France is open to the idea of immediately inviting Ukraine to join NATO, but will continue discussions with allies on this matter.
Barrot stated, “Regarding inviting Ukraine to join NATO, we are open to it and are discussing it with our partners.”
Barrot also expressed his support for Zelenskiy’s “Victory Plan.”
On Sunday, October 20th, Zelenskiy took to the social media platform X to thank France for its support.
In his post, Zelenskiy said, “I had a productive meeting with French Minister of European and Foreign Affairs Jean-Noel Barrot… We are grateful for France and our other partners working together to ensure we have a common vision that only a fair end to the war can guarantee lasting peace.”
On Thursday, October 17th, Zelenskiy presented his “Victory Plan” to European leaders at the Brussels EU summit, urging their support for Ukraine’s formal membership in NATO. He emphasized that a strong Ukraine would ensure a “fair end to this war.”
Later that day, Zelenskiy visited NATO headquarters. Secretary-General Rutte reiterated NATO’s commitment that “Ukraine will become a NATO member in the future,” but the specific timing remains uncertain.
Rutte stated that NATO’s 32 member countries will need to thoroughly study the plan. This decision largely depends on its leading country, the United States, which has not yet indicated willingness to immediately extend an invitation to Ukraine.
(Adapted from Reuters)