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War in Ukraine: France wants to continue supporting the attacked country
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Ukraine has concluded a bilateral security agreement with France. French President Emmanuel Macron and his Ukrainian counterpart Volodymyr Zelensky signed the document at the Elysée in Paris. Among other things, it contains a promise of up to three billion euros in additional military aid for 2024.
"Russia has become an imperialist power that denies Ukraine's sovereignty," said Macron. "Russia has become increasingly revisionist." With the agreement, France assures Ukraine of "comprehensive support" to "restore its territorial integrity within its internationally recognized borders." Zelenskyj said the agreement was “ambitious” and “comprehensive.” There was talk about the joint production of drones and electronic warfare systems.
Zelenskyj had previously concluded a long-term security pact with Germany in Berlin. After a meeting with Zelensky, Chancellor Olaf Scholz (SPD) said that weapons worth around 1.1 billion euros would be promised for the defensive fight against Russia. However, critics doubt that the agreement will really help Ukraine. This is a declaration of intent that is not legally binding. No financial commitments are made.
Other NATO states should follow
When asked in Paris whether he could compare the agreements with Germany and France, Zelensky answered diplomatically. "Each of the agreements strengthens Ukraine in its own way," he said.
The security agreements go back to a decision by NATO heads of state and government at their summit in Vilnius, Lithuania last July. It was agreed there that the individual member states would conclude bilateral agreements to ensure Ukraine's long-term security. Great Britain first concluded such an agreement with Ukraine in January. The other NATO states should now gradually follow suit with their commitments.
hba/AFP/Reuters