French President Emmanuel Macron has pledged an additional €2 billion in military aid to Ukraine, reinforcing France’s continued support for the war-torn nation. The announcement came during a joint press conference with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, who is currently on an official visit to France.
Macron also urged Russia to agree to a 30-day ceasefire without preconditions, accusing Moscow of maintaining a “desire for war” and imposing “new conditions” on a U.S.-brokered agreement aimed at de-escalating tensions in the Black Sea and halting attacks on energy infrastructure.
The commitment from France comes amid broader European efforts to support Ukraine. Last week, the European Union (EU) unveiled plans to provide Ukraine with an additional €1 billion in financial aid. The package, structured as a loan, will be repaid using proceeds from frozen Russian assets held within the EU.
The latest French military assistance package is expected to bolster Ukraine’s defense capabilities as the country continues to resist Russian aggression. Macron’s appeal for a ceasefire aligns with growing international calls for a temporary halt to hostilities to facilitate humanitarian relief and diplomatic negotiations.
Ukraine continues to rely on Western military and financial aid to sustain its war effort. France’s announcement signals its ongoing commitment to Kyiv, despite concerns over the long-term sustainability of military assistance from European nations.
As tensions persist, diplomatic efforts to resolve the conflict remain uncertain. Russia has not responded positively to calls for an immediate ceasefire, and its continued strikes on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure raise concerns about further escalation.
With France and the EU stepping up their support, Ukraine is set to receive critical resources to sustain its defense. However, the prospect of peace remains elusive as diplomatic negotiations face significant hurdles.
