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PARIS – The French government has announced that it will not be able to fulfil its promise to provide Ukraine with €3 billion in military aid in 2024. Armed Forces Minister Sébastien Lecornu said that the actual amount of aid is expected to be only “over 2 billion euros”, amid growing pressure on the country’s budget.
“At the beginning of 2024, we have politically committed to provide 3 billion euros, but in fact we will only be able to allocate a little more than 2 billion,” Lecorneu said. These words came during his speech to lawmakers, according to Politico.
Budgetary constraints and political pressure
France, which has been criticised for not supporting Ukraine enough compared to countries such as Germany, initially pledged a maximum of €3 billion in aid at the beginning of the year. In February 2024, a bilateral security agreement was signed between France and Ukraine, which consolidated this support. However, the country is now facing the need to cut spending due to a budget deficit that is projected to reach 6% of GDP in 2024.
France is not alone in its budgetary difficulties. Germany, Europe’s largest military aid donor, also plans to halve its support for Ukraine in 2025. In addition, there are concerns that the US may reduce financial assistance to Kyiv if former President Donald Trump returns to power.
Continued support for Ukraine
Despite these financial challenges, President Macron continues to stand firmly behind Ukraine in its struggle. He recently met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Paris to discuss his “victory plan” and additional ways to help. In particular, France is expected to provide Ukraine with Mirage 2000 fighter jets in the first half of 2025.
According to the latest data, in 2022, Paris provided Ukraine with €1.7 billion in military aid, and in 2023 – €2.1 billion. This puts France in second place after Germany, the UK and Sweden in terms of total support.
Prospects for military assistance
In 2024, France’s defence budget is planned at €50.5 billion, one of the few areas that will be increased. However, Minister Lecorneuil said that the Ministry of the Armed Forces will not request additional funds at the end of the year to cover unforeseen costs related to NATO deployments in Estonia and Romania or to help Ukraine.
According to the information, €300 million of aid to Ukraine will be received from interest on frozen Russian assets, which is planned to be used to purchase 155 mm artillery ammunition, self-propelled Caesar howitzers and fuel. An additional €400-600 million is planned to be raised by reducing the inflation rate to upgrade SCALP and Aster missiles.
Regional support
Lecorneu’s comments came against the backdrop of intensified efforts by the Nordic and Baltic countries to support Ukraine. Lithuanian Foreign Minister Gabrielius Landsbergis said that the Nordic-Baltic group is the second military supplier to Ukraine after the United States, calling on other European countries to step up their assistance and warning of the risk of war fatigue.
Thus, although France is facing serious financial challenges, the efforts of the government led by President Macron show a commitment to supporting Ukraine in its struggle for independence and security.
