Secretary Blinken’s Call with French Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Barrot

The below is attributable to Spokesperson Matthew Miller:

Secretary Blinken spoke today with French Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Jean-Noël Barrot. The Secretary and Foreign Minister discussed the situation in Ukraine, including the implications of Russia's decision to introduce DPRK troops into Russia's unprovoked war, and underlined their shared determination to sustain assistance to Ukraine and support Ukrainian efforts to defend their freedom and achieve victory. The Secretary underscored the importance of a diplomatic resolution to the conflict in Lebanon that allows civilians on both sides of the Blue Line to return home safely. They also discussed the need to bring an end to the war in Gaza, return all hostages, and increase humanitarian assistance.