Paris – French President Emmanuel Macron announced on Tuesday that he will travel to Ukraine in February to finalize a bilateral security guarantee deal. This agreement will see France deliver more sophisticated weaponry, including long-range cruise missiles, to the war-torn nation.
Macron’s visit comes at a critical time for Ukraine, as political infighting in the US and EU has delayed two major assistance packages. The French president emphasized France’s commitment to supporting Ukraine, stating, “We are going to deliver a lot more equipment and help Ukraine with what it needs to defend its skies.”
The new deal will include the delivery of 40 SCALP long-range missiles and several hundred bombs to Ukraine. This represents a significant increase in French military aid, as France has already provided around 50 SCALP missiles with a range of 250 km, three times the range of Ukraine’s existing missile capacities.
Macron’s announcement follows a visit by British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak to Kyiv last week, where he signed a similar security agreement and pledged increased military funding for Ukraine. This recent surge in Western support for Ukraine comes as the war enters its third year, raising concerns about the long-term commitment of Kyiv’s allies.
While the details of the French-Ukrainian accord are still under wraps, French diplomatic sources have indicated that it will likely outline a framework for long-term humanitarian aid, reconstruction support, and military assistance.