French foreign minister warns of rising war risk in Europe amid US-Ukraine tensions

"The risk of war on the European continent, in the European Union, has never been so high because for almost 15 years, the threat has continued to move closer to us, the front line has continued to move closer to us," Barrot said in an interview with France Inter.

His remarks come amid heightened geopolitical tensions, particularly following a public spat between US President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.

The exchange on Friday, which saw Zelenskyy doubting Trump's approach of talking with Russia to end the Ukraine war, has fueled concerns about the future of US backing for Kyiv, and unity of the transatlantic alliance.

Barrot suggested the situation has served as a wake-up call for some European leaders. “What we are witnessing today is the awakening of a section of Europeans who refused to see the reality of things,” he said.

Despite the growing threats, Barrot reiterated France’s commitment to ensuring long-term stability in the region. “We want peace, but a solid peace and a lasting peace,” he said, emphasizing that diplomatic efforts remain ongoing to end the three-year-long war.

He said “contacts between Emmanuel Macron and Donald Trump are very frequent,” as France continues to engage with key international partners.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who hosted a summit in London on Sunday, said European leaders have agreed to draw up a Ukraine peace plan to present to the US.

Macron has told the Le Figaro newspaper that the plan would involve a one-month ceasefire that would apply to air and sea attacks but not to ground combat.