Ukraine – France condemns Russian strikes against Ukraine (18 July 2023)

France utterly condemns the latest round of Russian missile and drone strikes against Ukraine, particularly against the port of Odesa. This attack occurred a few hours after Russia’s announcement that it was suspending its participation in the Black Sea Grain Initiative, thereby jeopardizing international food security.

Russia has once again flagrantly violated international humanitarian law, as these Russian strikes deliberately targeted civilian infrastructure.

As Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Catherine Colonna has repeatedly emphasized, these unacceptable acts are war crimes and cannot go unpunished.

In close coordination with its partners, France will continue to provide Ukraine with the assistance it needs to ensure its legitimate defense. It will also maintain its support for the Ukrainian courts and the International Criminal Court in their effort to combat impunity for the crimes committed by Russia. France has also stepped up its food aid to the countries most vulnerable to food insecurity as a result of the Russian aggression.