Emmanuel Macron Photo: Almir Hamzagic
French President Emmanuel Macron has announced an additional €2 billion in military aid to Ukraine. He said this during a joint press conference with Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Paris, Reuters reports.
Macron stressed that this package would include Mistral surface-to-air missiles, AMX-10 RC wheeled tanks, and modern drones. He also accused Russia of trying to distort the terms of the ceasefire and stressed the need for tougher measures to deter new attacks by Moscow.
A strategic step before the summit
France announced the new tranche of aid on the eve of an international summit with 30 world leaders dedicated to supporting Ukraine. One of the key topics of the meeting will be the expansion of European security guarantees for Kyiv and the potential deployment of military contingents.
Zelensky’s position: the role of the US in deterring Russia
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stressed that Ukraine expects the United States to take decisive steps to put pressure on the Kremlin. He expressed hope that Washington would force Putin to agree to an unconditional ceasefire, especially after Russia’s attacks in the Black Sea.
Zelenskyy also thanked France for its support and stressed the importance of developing the European defence sector, noting that every additional defence resource means saved lives of Ukrainians.
Macron: Europe must be ready for a new reality
The French president said that Moscow cannot dictate the terms of peace. He also called for the creation of a European deterrence force capable of preventing future Russian aggression.
“The lens of reality is the preservation of Ukraine within its internationally recognised borders. France will continue to support Kyiv together with its European partners,” Macron concluded.
