France has pledged an additional €2 billion in military support to Ukraine, President Emmanuel Macron announced on Wednesday in the presence of his Ukrainian counterpart, Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
On Thursday, Macron will convene around 30 countries, including Belgium, in Paris for a summit on the war in Ukraine.
The French president also called on Russia to accept a 30-day ceasefire without any “preconditions.” He accused Moscow of showing its “willingness for war” and adding “new conditions” to an agreement brokered by the United States for a ceasefire in the Black Sea and a temporary halt to attacks on energy infrastructure.
Macron said it was “far too early” to discuss lifting sanctions on Russia. He said this step would depend on Moscow’s adherence to international law.
Leaders from 31 countries are expected at the Elysée Palace on Thursday morning for a new summit on Ukraine. These include EU Member States and NATO allies such as the United Kingdom, Canada, and Norway. Belgium will also be represented.
Macron described it as a “summit with the coalition of willing countries.”
The French president is seeking clarity on additional support for Ukraine, expecting each participating country to present a list of potential contributions. Discussions will include security guarantees from the participating nations to ensure any potential peace agreement in Ukraine, possibly through an international military force.
France and the United Kingdom support this idea, while EU Member States like Italy and Poland are more hesitant.
