France Rebukes Russia Over Threats to Diplomats in Ukraine

France has firmly rejected fresh Russian warnings directed at diplomats and foreign nationals in Ukraine, with Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot stating that such intimidation is unacceptable under any circumstances.

Speaking at a news conference in Paris on Tuesday, Barrot said diplomats should never be threatened or subjected to any form of blackmail. He stressed that even Russia and President Vladimir Putin must respect fundamental principles governing relations between nations.

His remarks came shortly after Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova indicated that Moscow was shifting to regular and sustained strikes against Ukraine's military infrastructure. According to Russian state news agency Tass, Zakharova also said a recommendation issued last May for diplomats to leave the country remains in force.

Barrot's comments mark the latest in a series of French responses to Russian pressure tactics. He reiterated that such behaviour violates basic norms of international conduct.

Separately, Barrot mentioned ongoing discussions among European Union foreign ministers on a French-Swedish proposal to end trade with illegal settlements in the West Bank. He noted that any such measures would require a European consensus, which has not yet been reached.