French Foreign Minister Barrot Warns Far-Right or Far-Left Victory in 2027 Could Weaken Support for Ukraine

French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot has warned that a victory by far-right or far-left political forces in France’s 2027 presidential election could sharply reduce the country’s support for Ukraine, while arguing that European unity is essential to maintaining independence from competing global powers. ⠀ “If certain far-right or far-left forces were to take responsibility, it would be a clear drop in support for Ukraine,” Barrot said, raising concerns about the future of French assistance to Kyiv. ⠀ Pointing to Marine Le Pen, the far-right National Rally’s presidential candidate, Barrot said she had already announced plans to end French support for Ukraine after six months in office. ⠀ Le Pen’s proposal, announced in October, specifically called for ending direct financial assistance after an initial six-month period. She has indicated that military training and equipment assistance could continue, drawing a distinction between financial and military support. ⠀ Barrot also defended the European Union as a means of protecting Europe’s independence in an increasingly competitive international environment. ⠀ “At the moment when empires are awakening, it is the European Union that allows us to resist,” he said, calling for Europe to develop a “third way” rather than become dependent on rival global powers. ⠀ The debate over Ukraine has become increasingly prominent ahead of France’s presidential election. Barrot has also criticized far-left leader Jean-Luc Mélenchon over his proposal to consult residents of disputed Ukrainian territories about potential territorial concessions in a peace settlement. ⠀ France has meanwhile insisted that European governments must participate in negotiations affecting the continent’s security, including the U.S.-mediated peace discussions involving Russia and Ukraine in Abu Dhabi on November 10–11.