War in Ukraine: Macron Affirms France’s Commitment to Help Kiev “Long-Term”
President Emmanuel Macron reiterated France’s unwavering support for Ukraine during a meeting with NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg on Monday. Macron stated that France’s assistance to Ukraine “remains and will remain constant.”
Emmanuel Macron, the French President, declared on Monday, June 24, that France has a resolute commitment to support Ukraine in the long run, as concerns rise in Kiev about the potential rise of the far right to power in Paris.
“Our support for Ukraine remains unwavering, and we will continue to mobilize to meet Ukraine’s immediate needs, conveying our unequivocal determination to stand by the Ukrainians in the long term,” he assured alongside NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg at the Elysée Palace.
“In Romania, Poland, and the Baltic countries, France also fully assumes its responsibilities, contributes its share to the effort, and will continue to do so,” added the Head of State.
A Strong Signal Wanted by Macron from NATO
The dissolution of the National Assembly on June 9, following the triumph of the National Rally in the EU elections, has brought political uncertainty to France, which could also impact its foreign policy.
Emmanuel Macron, who will remain in power regardless of the election outcome, maintains that he is not weakened on the diplomatic stage and that his word “commits” France to decisions regarding Ukraine, even if he were to work alongside a Prime Minister less supportive of Kiev.
Additionally, the President stressed the need for NATO to send a “strong signal” of anchoring to Ukraine at its upcoming summit in Washington from July 9 to 11.
“A strong signal must be sent to Washington regarding Ukraine’s progress in the Euro-Atlantic integration process and its rightful place within the Alliance, as well as Ukraine’s contribution to Euro-Atlantic security,” he emphasized.
Kiev Requires More “Predictability”
Addressing the recent “gaps and delays” in American aid to Ukraine, which had “real consequences on the battlefield,” Jens Stoltenberg highlighted Ukraine’s need for increased “predictability to defend itself.”
“Our most urgent duty at the Washington summit will be to enhance support for Ukraine,” he insisted, noting that he had proposed to the Alliance a “long-term financial commitment to Ukraine.”
The potential return of Donald Trump to the White House following the upcoming US presidential election in November adds uncertainty to American support for Ukraine and the Allies in facing Russia.
Following the legislative elections in France on June 30 and July 7, President Macron will attend the Washington summit. Regarding the signal communicated by France at the summit, depending on the election outcome, it “will either be a signal of withdrawal or, conversely, a message of clarity,” as assessed by Minister of the Armed Forces Sébastien Lecornu on Monday alongside his German and Polish counterparts.