It is an important diplomatic symbol in a country at war. Behind the gate of this Soviet-looking building, the French flag is flying again and the golden plate of the French Embassy that Etienne de Poncins had taken during his temporary transfer to Lviv has been screwed back on. The ambassador has been back in kyiv since Friday, April 15, with part of his team, despite the Russian threat. “On February 28, we unscrewed the plate, lowered the flags, it was really very movingcomments Etienne de Poncins. We left with. I kept the plate with me throughout my stay in Lviv and I really only wanted to put it back, to reinstall it: so we reinstalled it as soon as we got back friday.”
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The ambassador is no longer surrounded by more than a dozen French collaborators, volunteers and protected by the GIGN. Inside the building, it is necessary to reinstall cameras, restore the computer systems deactivated before the hasty departure, on February 28, four days after the start of the Russian offensive.
“Here’s my desk!”, he announces. Behind the sofa, a camp bed. The conditions are Spartan, but being in kyiv is essential, maintains Etienne de Poncins. “Since the day I left, I wondered if I would one day return to this embassy. Beyond the legitimate emotion, we are there above all to help the Ukrainians, to work alongside them.”
Diplomatic work has resumed and France wants to be “closer” to Ukrainian needs: “Now, our mission is to take into account their very specific requests and provide answers. Nothing replaces physical contact. Beyond the symbol, there is really efficiency.” The ambassador is returning from a meeting with the Minister of Defense, a convoy carrying equipment from the French Civil Security is expected in the middle of the week in the capital.
In the corridors resounds a Ukrainian air: it is Elena, a translator interpreter returned with the ambassador, who settled down at the piano. “For me, it was important to stay there and make myself as useful as possible as long as my country lives through this misfortune, she confides. My weapon is my language and my language skills. As long as it brings a result.” And the result she hopes for, “It’s victory, ceasefire. Lives saved and misfortune that must end as soon as possible.” Despite the return of its diplomatic representation in kyiv, France still advises against “formally” its nationals to travel to Ukraine.