France Pledges €2 Billion Military Boost to Ukraine as Macron Hosts Critical Security Summit

June 12, Paris: In a significant show of European solidarity, French President Emmanuel Macron announced a new €2 billion military aid package for Ukraine during a high-profile meeting with President Volodymyr Zelensky in Paris. The announcement comes ahead of Thursday’s crucial European security summit aimed at crafting long-term defense guarantees for Kyiv amid ongoing peace negotiations.

Key Developments

1. French Military Commitment
   • Immediate provision of weapons from French stockpiles
   • Brings the total French aid to Ukraine since 2022 to over €7 billion
   • Macron emphasized: “Russia has no veto over our support decisions.”
2. Ceasefire Standoff
   • Ukraine has proposed an unconditional 30-day truce
   • Macron accused Moscow of “inventing new conditions” instead of accepting
   • Russia continues drone attacks (117 launched overnight, per Ukrainian reports)
3. European Security Summit Agenda
   • Germany’s Scholz, Britain’s Starmer among attendees
   • Discussion of post-ceasefire security arrangements
   • Potential European peacekeeping force (non-combat role)

The Diplomatic Tightrope

While the U.S. (represented by Secretary Rubio) cautiously explores peace terms, Macron struck a defiant tone: “There’s one aggressor and one victim here. Ukraine has taken the risk of peace, now Russia must match that courage.”

Zelensky warned against complacency: “This is the worst moment to reduce pressure. Russia wants to prolong this war indefinitely.”

The Peacekeeping Proposal

A contentious yet critical discussion point:

• European troops may monitor future ceasefire lines
• It would serve as a deterrent against renewed Russian aggression
• Macron clarified: “This is about peacekeeping, not combat deployment.”
• Zelensky stressed the need for a robust presence beyond traditional UN blue helmets

On-The-Ground Realities

Despite diplomatic maneuvers:
Ukraine reports continued Russian strikes on energy infrastructure
Moscow accuses Kyiv of similar attacks (denied by Ukraine)
Both sides blame each other for derailing preliminary Black Sea security talks

What’s Next?

All eyes turn to Thursday’s summit, where:

• Concrete European security guarantees will be formulated
• The peacekeeping force proposal will take shape
• Responses to Ukraine’s ceasefire offer may crystallize

As Macron noted, “We’re entering the decisive phase. Europe must show strategic autonomy in securing peace.” With U.S. elections looming and Russian intentions unclear, the Paris meetings may determine whether diplomacy can outpace battlefield dynamics.

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