France warns Middle East escalation must not distract from Ukraine support

French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot warned Monday against uncontrolled military escalation in the Near and Middle East amid ongoing tensions due to US-Israeli strikes against Iran and Tehran's retaliatory attacks. Speaking to reporters ahead of the Foreign Affairs Council in Brussels, Barrot emphasized that regional conflicts must not overshadow the war in Ukraine.

Ukraine focus

"Uncontrolled military escalation is dangerous in the Near and Middle East. It must not divert us from Ukraine, where for four years the security and peace of the European continent have been at stake, in a context marked by the growing international isolation of Russia," Barrot said. He reaffirmed "great determination and resolve" to continue supporting Kyiv and putting pressure on Moscow.

New sanctions

Barrot announced that current "designations and sanctions are being expanded with nine new designations of war criminals responsible for the massacre in (Ukraine's) Bucha (in March 2022)." He added that four new sanctions have also been imposed "against Kremlin propagandists," targeting those spreading Russian narratives about the war.

Conflict context

Since Israel and the US launched joint attacks on Iran on Feb. 28, killing around 1,300 people according to Iranian authorities, including former Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, hostilities have escalated across the Middle East. Iran has retaliated with drone and missile strikes targeting Israel, Jordan, Iraq, and Gulf countries hosting US military assets, drawing international concern about wider regional war.

European priorities

Barrot's comments reflect European concerns that the Middle East crisis could drain attention and resources from Ukraine, where Russia's invasion has entered its fourth year. France has maintained support for Kyiv while also calling for de-escalation in the Iran conflict.