Ukraine must decide when it is ready to negotiate an end to the war with Russia, Kyiv must do so from a position of strength, French acting Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot said on Monday, reiterating Paris' stated position on the issue.

Asked about comments by U.S. President-elect Donald Trump, who over the weekend called for an immediate ceasefire and talks between Russia and Ukraine, Barrot told France Info radio that a strong Ukraine was also in the interests of the United States, Reuters wrote.