France is unlikely to reach its target of €3 billion ($3,2 bn) in military aid to Ukraine this year, according to Armed Forces Minister Sébastien Lecornu.
“Politically, it was decided at the beginning of 2024 that this aid could reach €3 billion ($3,2 bn). In reality, we will be above €2 billion ($2,1 bn) but not at €3 billion,” Lecornu said to lawmakers, according to Politico.
This revelation comes after French President Emmanuel Macron had pledged up to €3 billion ($3,2 bn) in military support to Ukraine earlier this year. The promise was part of a bilateral security agreement signed between Paris and Kyiv in February to secure long-term aid for Ukraine.
The aid shortfall comes as France faces pressure to reduce its deficit, which could reach 6 percent of GDP in 2024.
Politico notes that Germany, Europe’s largest donor of military aid to Ukraine, plans to halve its support next year to cut spending.
Last week, French President Macron welcomed Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Paris to discuss his “victory plan” and additional aid.
Lecornu also announced on 8 October that France will deliver the Dassault Aviation Mirage 2000-5F fighters to Ukraine in early 2025.
Lecornu also said that €300 million ($326 mn) worth of aid for Ukraine comes from interest in frozen Russian assets and will be used to buy 155 mm artillery ammunition, Caesar self-propelled howitzers, and fuel.
The news comes as Nordic and Baltic countries are increasing their efforts. Lithuanian Foreign Minister Gabrielius Landsbergis told Politico, “the latest data shows … the Nordic-Baltic group, if taken as a unit, is the second military provider to Ukraine [after the US].”
He called on other European countries to increase their support and warned against war fatigue.
Read also:
- Ukraine urges NATO invitation before Biden leaves office, ambassador says
- France begins training Ukrainian Anna of Kyiv Brigade, pledges equipment support
- France to deliver upgraded Mirage 2000 fighters to Ukraine in 2025
