France is set to allocate the interest accrued from frozen Russian assets to finance an additional €195 million worth of arms for Ukraine, as stated by French Defense Minister Sébastien Lecornu. This initiative highlights France’s ongoing support for Ukraine amidst the ongoing conflict.
Details of the military support
In an interview with La Tribune published on Sunday, Lecornu confirmed that the French military will supply Ukraine with older military equipment, specifically AMX-10RC tanks and armored vehicles. He emphasized that the funding will facilitate the provision of crucial military supplies, including 155-mm shells and AASM glide bombs, which are intended to enhance the capabilities of the Ukrainian Mirage 2000 aircraft.
“In addition, this year, thanks to the interests of frozen Russian assets, we will mobilize a new envelope of €195 million, which will make it possible to supply 155-mm shells as well as AASM glide bombs that arm the Ukrainian Mirage 2000s,” Lecornu added.
International reactions and geopolitical implications
The announcement has sparked a reaction from Russian officials, with Vyacheslav Volodin, the speaker of the Russian parliament, stating, “You will still have to answer for your actions and return what was stolen.” This remark underscores the heightened tensions between Russia and Western nations following the invasion of Ukraine.
Last year, the G7 nations reached an agreement to provide Ukraine with $50 billion through various bilateral loans, which Kyiv could repay using profits derived from frozen Russian state assets. Lecornu reiterated the importance of international alliances, particularly with the United States, acknowledging its role as a key ally of France despite some uncertainties. He noted, “I’m not one of those who say there will be a third world war,” and called for calm amid rising geopolitical tensions.
The minister expressed the necessity for Europe to adapt to changing circumstances, stating, “We just have to realize that everything we have known up to now is being called into question, and this is being accelerated by the unpredictability of the American partner. That is why we have to strengthen our defensive efforts in order to guarantee peace on our continent.”