French Envoy Calls Russia’s Security Demand ‘Legitimate’

France’s ambassador to Russia, Nicolas de Rivière, described Moscow’s call for security guarantees as legitimate in an interview published on Thursday, Nov. 12, while emphasizing that Ukraine also needed such protections.In an interview with RTVI, de Rivière said France and other European countries hoped negotiations would produce a ceasefire, arguing that continued fighting made diplomacy more difficult.JOIN US ON TELEGRAMFollow our coverage of the war on the @Kyivpost_official.“Ukraine certainly needs them. Russia also says it needs these guarantees – I believe this is a legitimate demand,” he said.He said a settlement should prevent another war and leave all parties feeling secure.De Rivière also argued that European governments must participate in shaping a settlement, given their role in sanctions, reconstruction, and security arrangements.He did not specify what guarantees Moscow should receive.Moscow links guarantees to restrictions on UkraineRussia has linked its demands for security guarantees to limits on Ukraine’s defense and foreign policy, including opposition to foreign troop deployments on Ukrainian territory.In February, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Grushko told Izvestia that a settlement must rule out Ukrainian NATO membership and the deployment of foreign troops in Ukraine, according to Reuters.He also sought assurances that Ukraine would pose no threat to Russia, describing Russian security interests as essential to any agreement.France prepares guarantees for UkraineFrance’s own security proposals include a possible multinational deployment to help deter another Russian attack after a ceasefire. Other Topics of Interest Rostov region’s governor confirmed an overnight attack but did not name the facilities struck. Paris and London jointly lead the 36-country Coalition of the Willing, which coordinates military support for Ukraine and preparations for postwar guarantees, according to the French Foreign Ministry.The ministry outlines five pillars: participation in US-led ceasefire monitoring, long-term support for Ukraine’s armed forces, a multinational force, commitments to assist Ukraine following another Russian attack, and deeper defense cooperation.The proposed force would deploy at Ukraine’s request after a credible cessation of hostilities. Ukraine’s armed forces would remain the country’s first line of defense, supported by long-term financial and military assistance.France also joined a European security declaration issued in Dublin on Thursday, reaffirming support for Ukraine’s independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity within its internationally recognized borders.The declaration called for robust guarantees to prevent renewed aggression and upheld states’ right to choose their alliances and international relationships.NATO members signing the document reaffirmed the alliance as the foundation of their collective defense. The declaration also tied future developments in European strategic stability to the conclusion of the war in Ukraine.Separately, G7 foreign ministers meeting in Paris on Monday and Tuesday reaffirmed support for a comprehensive, reciprocal ceasefire. Their joint statement, published on Wednesday, identified an end to attacks on energy infrastructure and in the Black Sea as an important initial step toward a lasting peace.Security talks reach beyond UkraineThe ambassador’s remarks come as negotiators discuss both Ukraine’s protection against another invasion and Moscow’s demands concerning Europe’s wider security arrangements.Security guarantees for Russia were discussed during the Tuesday and Wednesday negotiations in Abu Dhabi, alongside guarantees for Ukraine and Europe, according to a source close to the Ukrainian delegation.The source said Kyiv’s position was that the war must stop before work could proceed on a broader European security framework. The report did not announce an agreement on guarantees for Moscow.Before that round, Ukrainian, American, and European representatives held consultations in Brussels on security guarantees and Ukraine’s postwar recovery. Those discussions formed part of Kyiv’s effort to secure commitments capable of deterring another Russian invasion.Speaking in Dublin on Thursday, President Volodymyr Zelensky warned that US-Russian discussions appeared to concern a broader security framework between Europe and Russia, extending beyond guarantees for Ukraine.He said Europe needed to pay close attention and become a regular participant in negotiations affecting its security.Later, Zelensky and US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner announced that European representatives would join the next round of peace talks.A presidential readout published on Friday said securing fuller European participation was among the results of the week’s diplomacy. Zelensky also announced preparations for further multilateral meetings and a major prisoner exchange. Kyiv Post is Ukraine’s first and oldest English news organization, reporting since 1995. 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