France’s Foreign Minister Barrot: Russia’s return to G7 is unimaginable now

He said this during a broadcast on LCI, as quoted by Le Figaro.  

"Today, it is unimaginable. What is the G7? It is a group of the world's most developed democracies. Does Russia look like – or want to look like – a developed democracy today? No," the French minister stated.  

According to Barrot, Russia is currently acting as an aggressor, threatening other G7 countries.  

"It is also attacking other G7 members relentlessly and shamelessly. So today, this is unacceptable," he emphasized.  

However, the French minister did not rule out the possibility of resuming diplomatic dialogue in the future.  

"If in the future, when we establish the conditions for a just and lasting peace, we manage to restore relations with the Russian people – why not? You know, the responsibility for this war lies on the shoulders of Vladimir Putin and undoubtedly his close circle. The Russian people did not start this aggressive war against Ukraine," Barrot said.  

He also stated that he is not ready to speak with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov at this time.  

"Today – no. But I could speak with him as soon as we overcome the main issue facing Europe today – the security threat from Putin’s Russia," the French foreign minister stressed.  

Barrot added that he would take the call if he were told that "Russia has finally agreed that Ukraine must have real security guarantees or even that Ukraine should join NATO."

• Republican Senator Lindsey Graham has called on NATO countries to increase pressure on Russia by threatening to admit Ukraine into the alliance if President Putin initiates a new invasion.