French representative to Taiwan, Jean-Francois Casabonne-Masonnave, held a discussion with the media, explaining the position of the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs on the Russian-Ukrainian war.

Gongsun Meng emphasized that France is committed to bringing Ukraine back to peace, "Russia should go home", and those who committed war crimes should be brought to justice.

(Photographed by reporter Lu Yixuan)

[Reporter Lu Yixuan/Taipei Report] French representative to Taiwan Jean-François Casabonne-Masonnave held a discussion with the media today, explaining the French Foreign Ministry's position on the war between Russia and Ukraine.

Gongsun Meng emphasized that France is committed to bringing Ukraine back to peace, "Russia should go home", and those who committed war crimes should be brought to justice.

Regarding the relationship between France and Taiwan, Gongsun Meng also announced that Alain Richard, chairman of the Taiwan Friendship Group of the French Senate and former Minister of Defense, will visit Taiwan again in March, and Christopher Ferrari, chairman of the Grenoble metropolitan area, will also visit Taiwan again , to exchange energy issues.

The Russo-Ukrainian war will be celebrated on the 24th. Gongsun Meng emphasized that he used the word "war against Ukraine", not "Ukrainian war" or "war between Ukraine and Russia".

He insisted on saying that because the war was on Ukraine, the Ukrainian people, and the Ukrainian people were fighting for their freedom.

France and the European Union support Ukraine as allies and do not believe any of the reasons Russia finds for war, such as claiming that the use of force is a response to a threat, when in fact there is no threat to the Russians, bombed cities, raped women, The kidnapped children all happened in Ukraine, "Waging war is always the worst option".

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Gongsun Meng explained that France's assistance to Ukraine includes military support, humanitarian aid, financial support, legal aid, and refugee resettlement. Students are enrolled in the French education system, there are also scholarship programs and more.

In addition to education, France is also assisting Ukraine in the development of hospital equipment, power supply equipment and various civil systems.

Gongsun Meng emphasized that, just as French President Macron said, Russia will not and cannot win the war.

Russia's status as a permanent member of the United Nations has the responsibility to solve the troubles of the international community, one of which is "protection of international law".

When Russia goes to war and hurts civilians, it has violated international law and Russia's responsibility as a permanent member of the United Nations. This is unacceptable.

Gongsun Meng reiterated that France is committed to bringing peace to Ukraine, "Russia should go home", and those who committed war crimes should be brought to justice.

The media asked how France viewed China's attitude in the Russia-Ukraine war?

Gongsun Meng said that France believes that it is very important to communicate with all partners, and China is a very important player on the international stage. "We regret that China did not condemn Russia for launching a war against Ukraine."

Gongsun Meng mentioned that Wang Yi, director of the Foreign Affairs Office of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China, met with French President Macron in Paris last week, and this was of course one of the topics in the talks.

France seeks peace and stability in the international community. Since China and Russia have a special relationship, it is hoped that China can contribute to peace in Europe.

Regarding the rumor that Beijing may provide "lethal support" to Russia?

Gongsun Meng said that he has no information about this part. Of course, France hopes that China will not support Russia.

He emphasized that France supports Ukraine in taking back all of its territories, including Crimea, but that France will not negotiate on behalf of Ukraine, which is a sovereign country and will decide its own position in the negotiations.

"The most important thing at this time is that we need to encourage Russia to change its decision, to facilitate negotiations and to restore peace in the region".

In addition, the media asked about Russian President Vladimir Putin's announcement on the 21st to suspend participation in the Russia-US "New Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty", which was regarded as a "nuclear-level warning". What is France's opinion?

Gongsun Meng responded that this question is not entirely accurate, "because there is no real threat of nuclear weapons."

Gongsun Meng explained that the Russian way of speaking has always been ambiguous. They always lie and are always so vague. This is Russian communication.