France President Emmanuel Macron offered additional military aid, including light tanks, armored vehicles, and training for Ukrainian soldiers, as Ukraine plans a counteroffensive against Russian forces. The surprise meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at the French presidential Elysee Palac was focused on Ukraine’s military and humanitarian needs and the long-term perspective for peace in Europe.
In a surprise meeting held in Paris on Sunday, France President Emmanuel Macron and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky discussed military aid ahead of Ukraine’s planned counteroffensive against Russian forces. Mr Macron offered light tanks, armoured vehicles, training for soldiers, and other assistance to Ukraine.
The French president’s office stated that France would supply dozens of light tanks and armoured vehicles “in the weeks ahead” and would also provide additional air defence systems, although no specific numbers were given. Furthermore, France aims to train about 2,000 Ukrainian soldiers in France this year and nearly 4,000 others in Poland as part of a broader European effort.
France Promises Unwavering Support for Ukraine
The French president’s office said its support for Ukraine’s independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity is “unwavering” and promised to provide political, economic, humanitarian, and military aid for as long as necessary. In a tweet, Mr Zelensky expressed his gratitude, stating that with each visit, Ukraine’s defence and offensive capabilities are expanding, and the ties with Europe are getting stronger, and the pressure on Russia is growing.
The meeting was held at the French presidential Elysee Palace and lasted about three hours. The encounter was kept under wraps until shortly before Mr Zelensky’s arrival in Paris from Germany on a French government jet, which extended his multi-stop European tour. As they welcomed one another at the French presidential palace, the two leaders avoided eye contact with the media.
The French support comes as Ukraine is preparing to go on the offensive, hoping to retake Russian-occupied territory. France has already supplied Ukraine with an array of weaponry, including air defence systems, light tanks, howitzers, and other arms and equipment and fuel.
Macron and Zelensky Hold Surprise Meeting
According to the office of the French president, the discussion will include Ukraine’s military and humanitarian requirements as well as “the more long-term perspectives for a return to peace in Europe.” In the struggle against the Russian invasion, Mr. Macron will “reaffirm France and Europe’s unwavering support” for Ukraine.
Ukraine has been battling Russian-backed separatists in its eastern Donbass region since 2014. Russia annexed Crimea from Ukraine in the same year. The conflict has claimed more than 13,000 lives and displaced millions. Tensions between Ukraine and Russia have been escalating in recent months, with Russia amassing tens of thousands of troops near the Ukrainian border.
France Offers Military Aid to Ukraine
The French support comes amid increasing concerns over Russian aggression in Europe and a possible Russian invasion of Ukraine. The United States and its European allies have expressed their support for Ukraine and their condemnation of Russia’s actions. In September, US President Joe Biden hosted a meeting with 12 Pacific Island nations to discuss the inroads China is making into Oceania. The Biden administration has been working to strengthen ties with Pacific Island nations and has been increasing its presence in the region.
The military aid offered by France is a significant boost for Ukraine, which is preparing for a counteroffensive against Russian forces. The support from France and other European nations, along with the backing of the United States, sends a strong message of solidarity to Ukraine and a warning to Russia that its aggression will not be tolerated. The meeting between the French and Ukrainian leaders also highlights the growing ties between Ukraine and Europe and the region’s importance in the ongoing geopolitical struggle between Russia and the West.
