In a telephone conversation with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, Macron emphasized that France was on the Ukrainian side, according to a statement from the Elysee Palace.
The two presidents also discussed Ukraine’s needs in the areas of military equipment, political and financial support and humanitarian aid.
France has already supplied Ukraine with Caesar self-propelled howitzers and trained Ukrainian soldiers in France. Mounted on a motorized chassis, this 155-millimeter howitzer can accurately hit targets up to 40 kilometers away. France has also sent anti-tank missiles “Milan” to Ukraine.
The new French foreign minister, Catherine Column, who visited Kiev in late May, said a “concrete response” to Ukraine’s request to supply it with heavy weapons was expected.
The French TV channel Europe 1 reported that Ukraine has already received six howitzers “Caesar” and Makron can coordinate the delivery of six more such howitzers to Ukraine.
“Emmanuel Macron may announce a new delivery of six more artillery cannons during his voyage in a few weeks. These cannons must be removed from army depots again, leaving a total of 64 units of these weapons,” Europe 1 reported.
The Elysée Palace also announced that Makron and Zelensky had agreed to maintain contacts, in particular on Ukraine’s application for membership of the European Union (EU). The issue will be discussed at the European Council on 23 and 24 June.
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