INFO EUROPE 1 - Ukraine: what was said during the defense council convened by Macron

Jacques Serais 12:47 p.m., February 24, 2022

Emmanuel Macron convened a defense council this Thursday morning before planned crisis meetings with the G7 and the European Union.

A hastily organized defense council which lasted nearly an hour and a half according to information obtained by Europe 1. Around Emmanuel Macron, Prime Minister Jean Castex as well as four ministers: Jean-Yves Le Drian, Bruno The Mayor, Florence Parly and Gérald Darmanin.

But also the military heads of the intelligence services. 

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During this meeting, the Head of State notably asked for the identification of all French interests in Ukraine and Russia so that the consequences of this conflict can be quickly assessed.

Among the other points discussed, the question of the French present on the spot.

Still according to our information, the president asked his services to think about means of emergency evacuation. 

A speech by Emmanuel Macron expected

The decision was also taken to place all of the State's cyber security services on high alert, and there was also talk of the assistance provided to Ukraine.

Economic aid for the time being, in particular to finance military equipment.

But this aid must be reassessed: France "will strengthen its support for Ukraine in all its forms".

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At the Elysee Palace, Emmanuel Macron's entire agenda is devoted to this crisis.

This Thursday afternoon, he will participate at 3 p.m. in a meeting of the G7 by videoconference, and will fly away just after for Brussels within the framework of an extraordinary European council scheduled for this evening at 8 p.m.

Finally, the French president called for a NATO summit "as soon as possible".

A wish heard since the latter will take place on Friday by videoconference.

Emmanuel Macron should speak "soon" according to the Elysée.