"France has been one of the staunchest supporters of a free Ukraine from the very beginning, capable of resisting and overcoming the ongoing aggression from Russia. The global support for Ukraine, which France and the United States have helped to realize together, is one of the most vivid examples of burden-sharing that I have ever seen," said Blinken.
Among the examples, the American diplomat mentioned France's training of over 15,000 Ukrainian soldiers, the signing of a security agreement between Ukraine and France, as well as the increase in production by French companies in the defense industry.
"I believe that in the coming months, France's leadership will be crucial in ensuring that Ukraine has what it needs to be in the strongest possible position to defend its democratic independence, whether on the battlefield or at the negotiating table," Blinken stated.
He referred to Ukraine as "perhaps the best example of the assumption that security in Europe is intertwined with security around the globe."
"If you look at what is happening in Ukraine right now, what allows Russian aggression to continue? Support from North Korea with artillery, ammunition, and troops; and everything that China is doing to support the Russian defense industrial base – machinery, microelectronics, all of this flows into Russia from China, from Hong Kong, allowing Russia to continue producing weapons, ammunition, and other necessities for its ongoing aggression," Blinken explained.
His meeting with the French Foreign Minister took place against the backdrop of the conclusion of President Joe Biden's administration. The inauguration of the newly elected president, Donald Trump, who has already announced Blinken's successor as the head of the U.S. State Department – Florida Senator Marco Rubio – is scheduled for January 20.