French finance minister vows unwavering support for Ukraine amid US-Russia diesel deal

Roland Lescure, France’s finance minister, told listeners on France 2 and France Inter that Paris will not betray Ukraine, describing President Volodymyr Zelensky as a "true hero" who has kept the country resisting a four-year invasion. His comments came after Donald Trump suggested Ukraine should replace its president and disclosed a surprise deal with Russia to buy large volumes of diesel, coupled with a softening of U.S. sanctions.

Lescure rejected any notion of a French betrayal, reaffirming continuous support for Kyiv and noting that the upcoming European foreign ministers meeting in Luxembourg will examine further sanctions on Russia, which France does not plan to reduce. He recalled Zelensky’s offer to stop strikes on Russian refineries if Moscow ceases attacks on Ukrainian energy sites, emphasizing the need to protect Ukraine through the harsh winter.

When asked about the diesel deal’s impact on global markets, Lescure said it remains to be seen. He also recalled earlier criticism of Russian takeovers of French companies such as Auchan and the former Leroy Merlin, labeling them hostile acts toward France.