Caesar gunPhoto: lesechos.fr
France has announced a large-scale financial assistance to Ukraine, returning €300 million in interest from frozen Russian assets for the purchase of military equipment. These funds have already been used to produce 12 new Caesar guns, as well as missiles and ammunition, which will be delivered to Ukraine by the end of 2024. This statement was made by French Armed Forces Minister Sébastien Lecornu in an interview with Tribune Sunday, according to bfmtv.
According to Lecorneuil, the interest from the frozen Russian assets is used to purchase state-of-the-art military equipment. The latest instalment of 300 million euros allowed for the ordering of 12 new Caesar guns, as well as an impressive arsenal: 155 mm artillery shells, Aster rockets, AASM guided aerial bombs, firing points and Mistral missiles.
Supporting allies at a critical time
So far, France has already supplied Ukraine with about 60 Caesar guns, and another 80 units are expected by the end of 2024. This artillery equipment plays a key role in countering the Russian invaders due to its high mobility and accuracy in hitting targets at long distances.
The announcement of the new deliveries comes amidst President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s ongoing efforts to maintain military and financial support from Western allies. Ukraine continues to wage a fierce battle against Russian troops, and each new supply of weapons strengthens its ability to resist the aggressor.
The strategic importance of aid
Financing new batches of military equipment from France is an important part of the joint strategy to support Ukraine in its fight for territorial integrity. Each additional resource helps the Armed Forces of Ukraine to conduct active defence and liberate the occupied territories.
