Support for Ukraine from France will increase: the Minister of Internal Affairs of Ukraine met with the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the French Republic to Ukraine
Igor Klymenko held a working meeting with Etienne de Ponssen, during which the parties discussed further cooperation between Ukraine and France on strengthening the Security and Defense Forces of Ukraine, providing special equipment of the National Emergency Service units for fire extinguishing and humanitarian demining, cooperation in the investigation of war crimes of the Russian insurgents prisoners on the territory of Ukraine, as well as the exchange of experience in the treatment and rehabilitation of combatants.
“I want to thank the French people for their support of Ukraine,” said the Minister of Internal Affairs of Ukraine Igor Klymenko at the beginning of the meeting.
“It is a great honor to meet you. I wish you success personally and your team in fulfilling your mission,” said Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the French Republic to Ukraine Etienne de Ponsen, adding that France will continue to support Ukraine.
The Head of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Ukraine stressed the importance of construction and supply of boats for the State Border Service of Ukraine, as well as for deep humanitarian demining of the water area of our state. He recalled that 30% of the territory of our state is currently contaminated with mines and other explosive objects.
In turn, Etienne de Ponsen assured that the production process of boats is already underway and soon the first units will be transferred to the Ukrainian side. The project for the supply of fire engines with ladders over 45 meters high will also be extended.
The Minister of Internal Affairs of Ukraine briefed the Ambassador with the progress of selection and training of the Guard troops for the offensive of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Ukraine. At the same time, he stressed the urgency of providing the fighters with the necessary equipment and equipment, as well as modern rear support systems.
The parties then discussed issues of cooperation in the areas: fight against corruption, migration policy — support for Ukrainian refugees, exchange of experience on creating a safe environment, as well as assisting the French side in the investigation of war crimes committed by Russians in the temporarily occupied territories.
In particular, Igor Klimenko thanked for the mobile DNA laboratory provided by France to identify victims of Russian war crimes after the tragedy in Bucha. The Minister drew attention to the fact that the laboratory becomes necessary not only for investigating war crimes in de-occupied territories, where police find torture sites and mass burials, but also for investigating the consequences of massive shelling of peaceful Ukrainian cities, as a result of which civilians are killed.
Mr. Etienne de Ponsen noted that another such laboratory will soon be provided to the National Police.
The parties agreed to continue work within the framework of the Ukrainian-French government commission on economic cooperation, which is traditionally headed by the heads of the interior of both states and which has already shown its effectiveness.
Department of Communications of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Ukraine
