Macron Pledges Unwavering Support to Ukraine Amidst Global Tensions

Macron Reaffirms Unwavering Support for Ukraine

French President Emmanuel Macron, speaking alongside Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, has reiterated France’s steadfast commitment to Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. In a joint address, Macron emphasized that global events, including the conflict in the Middle East, will not divert international attention from Ukraine’s ongoing struggle against Russian aggression. “Nothing will divert our attention from Ukraine, which for more than four years has been resisting Russia’s aggression with extraordinary perseverance and courage,” Macron stated, underscoring the unwavering nature of French and European support.

Russia’s ‘Triple Defeat’ and Sanctions Policy

President Macron articulated a strong stance on Russia’s strategic situation, declaring that Moscow has already suffered a “strategic defeat, an economic defeat, and a moral defeat.” He dismissed the notion that the war involving Iran might provide Russia with a reprieve, asserting that such a belief is misguided. During a G7 meeting chaired by France, discussions on rising oil prices concluded with a consensus that there would be no revision of sanctions policy towards Russia. Macron also found it “very strange” that Russia is calling for a ceasefire in the Middle East while persistently refusing to observe one in Ukraine, despite numerous international efforts, including those by former President Trump and a UN General Assembly resolution adopted by 107 votes calling for an immediate, full, and unconditional ceasefire – a resolution Russia rejected.

Iran-Russia Alliance and Drone Production

A significant point of concern raised by Macron was the deep-seated alliance between Russia and Iran. He reminded attendees that Russia and Iran signed a comprehensive strategic partnership agreement in January 2005, which reportedly includes provisions for the production of Iranian-origin drones on Russian territory. Macron highlighted the implications of this partnership, stating, “Everyone who is today attacking the countries of the Persian Gulf and some of our allies must know where these drones were produced.” He asserted that the drones currently targeting countries in the Persian Gulf and allied nations originate from a known source, underscoring the need to bolster Ukraine’s defensive capabilities, particularly its interception capacities.

European Union’s Substantial Aid and Future Integration

The European Union and its member states have emerged as the principal donors of aid to Ukraine, with total assistance since 2022 approaching 200 billion euros. Macron pledged that France would exert all possible efforts to ensure the unblocking and confirmation of a 90 billion euro loan package for Ukraine. He also referenced the “coalition of the willing,” launched with the United Kingdom and the United States over a year ago, aimed at providing security guarantees for Ukraine as a cornerstone of a lasting peace. Furthermore, Macron expressed strong support for Ukraine’s European aspirations, stating that Ukraine “deserves the opening of the first negotiation clusters” for EU membership, acknowledging the complexity of the path but emphasizing Ukraine’s impressive progress despite the ongoing war. France, he assured, would work to overcome any artificial obstacles to this process.

Energy Cooperation and Increased Pressure on Russia

In the realm of energy, France remains fully mobilized, particularly within the framework of its G7 presidency, to develop a robust energy resilience strategy for the upcoming year. Since January, the G7 has dispatched a significant number of generators to Kyiv, with hopes of continued effectiveness. Macron confirmed discussions with President Zelenskyy and his team regarding military needs, agreeing that Ukraine requires sufficient means for its legitimate defense. France intends to intensify these efforts through innovation and increase pressure on Russia to compel good-faith negotiations. The preparation of the 20th package of sanctions is underway, alongside efforts to combat sanctions evasion, with France playing a leading role in fighting the “shadow fleet.”

Zelenskyy’s Gratitude and Shared Security Concerns

President Zelenskyy conveyed deep gratitude for France’s support, both from the nation and personally from President Macron. He highlighted the importance of consistent coordination and shared perspectives with France, especially during wartime. Zelenskyy noted that discussions covered Ukraine’s security, Europe’s security, and global security in light of developments in the Middle East and the Gulf region. He offered condolences for the death of a French serviceman in Iraq due to an Iranian strike, expressing hope for the speedy recovery of the wounded and emphasizing the global imperative to stabilize the situation and prevent further escalation.

Ukraine’s Expertise in Countering Drones

Zelenskyy pointed out Iran’s terrorist nature and the need for greater respect for life in the region. He offered Ukraine’s unique expertise in countering Iranian attack drones, noting that over ten countries have sought assistance in defending against these weapons, which are identical to those supplied to Russia. “Because of this war and because of all these massive attacks, Ukraine now has the greatest expertise in the world in countering shaheds,” Zelenskyy stated, referring to the drones. He explained that this expertise extends to creating interceptors, systematic defense against drones, and integrating them with radar and air defense systems. Ukraine is ready to share this knowledge with partners to enhance security, and he believes such protection must also be implemented in Europe.

Joint Defense Production and EU Accession

Both presidents discussed joint defense production, bilateral projects, and security programs, recognizing the significant potential to strengthen both nations and Europe. Zelenskyy specifically mentioned cooperation on air defense and combat aviation, as well as within the EU framework and the coalition of the willing. He reiterated his gratitude for France’s crucial role in Ukraine obtaining EU candidate status and expressed the desire for a clear accession date, aiming to prevent Russia from blocking Ukraine’s future through proxies within Europe. Zelenskyy also stressed the importance of overcoming the blockage of the 20th EU sanctions package against Russia, noting that any easing of sanctions, such as the recent US decision on Russian oil, provides Russia with additional resources for the war, which does not serve peace.

Financial Security and Future Outlook

The unblocking of the 90 billion euro financial aid package for Ukraine over two years was highlighted as a critical financial security guarantee. Ahead of an upcoming EU leaders’ meeting, Ukraine and France are coordinating their positions to ensure these funds are released. Zelenskyy emphasized that as Russia gains resources through destabilization, Ukraine must receive the aid that Europe has already committed. He concluded by thanking France and President Macron for their unwavering support, stating, “France will stand by Ukraine.”

Source: 😮Macron SAID THIS to Zelensky RIGHT TO HIS FACE! Look at the REACTION. What he said about Ukraine (YouTube)