France announces support for child rehabilitation centers in Ukraine

France will support the establishment of two rehabilitation centers in Ukraine for children who have been returned to the country after being deported to Russia, French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot said during a joint conference with the Ukrainian counterpart in Kyiv on 19 October.

This visit marks Barrot’s first trip to Kyiv since Michel Barnier’s government was formed. Before this, Barrot and Sybiha met in Paris during Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s European tour with his “victory plan.”

“I want to announce the opening of two centers in Dnipro and Kharkiv with France’s support, which will receive children who have returned to Ukraine and facilitate their rehabilitation,” Barrot said.

No further details about the centers were provided.

According to Sybiha, the two sides discussed during the meeting the implementation of the relevant point of the “peace formula” and efforts to involve as many participants as possible in a thematic conference scheduled for 30-31 October in Canada.

Barrot also mentioned plans to travel to northeastern Ukraine the following day and emphasized Paris’s support for Ukraine’s “victory plan.”

“France supports the Ukrainian plan not only in the military sphere, but is also ready to provide support in the civilian and economic spheres,” Barrot said.

Since the beginning of the Russian invasion, France has provided 3 billion euros ($3,2 mn) in various forms of civilian assistance. This aid covers diverse areas, from humanitarian demining to supplying equipment for hospitals.

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