Ukraine 'will remain France's priority' despite international crisis

France's new foreign minister Stephane Sejourne on Saturday (Jan 13) renewed his country's support to Ukraine

France's new foreign minister Stephane Sejourne on Saturday (Jan 13) renewed his country's support to Ukraine, choosing Kyiv for his first official visit abroad, as the war with Russia nears a second anniversary.

Sejourne arrived in Kyiv as Ukraine saw another wave of overnight strikes from Russia, which has intensified its aerial attacks recently.

The visit took place as allies struggle to secure funding, with some worrying that Kyiv could be forgotten amid new conflicts, including between Israel and Hamas.

"Despite the multiplying crisis, Ukraine is and will remain France's priority," Sejourne said.

The freshly-appointed foreign minister explained that "the fundamental principles of international law and the values of Europe, as well as the security interests of the French" were at stake in Ukraine.

Sejourne, 38, who unlike his predecessor Catherine Colonna has no background as a professional diplomat, had already pledged continued support.

Aid promised to Ukraine between August and October 2023 fell almost 90 per cent from the same period in 2022, reaching its lowest point since the start of the war, according to a Kiel Institute survey from December.

An EU aid package worth €50 billion (US$55 billion) has been stuck in Brussels, while the US Congress remains divided on sending additional aid to Ukraine.