France Boosts Military Support For Ukraine Amid Russian Invasion

• France to deliver 78 Caesar howitzers to Ukraine.

• Increasing ammunition supply to Ukraine, aiming for 80,000 shells this year.

• Participating in multinational initiative to secure 800,000 artillery shells for Ukraine.

French soldiers fire a French-made CAESAR self-propelled howitzer during the Spring Storm 2023 military drills, the largest annual exercise of Estonian Defence Forces, near Tapa, Estonia on May

AP

France has announced plans to provide crucial military support to Ukraine in its fight against Russia's full-scale invasion. The French Defense Minister revealed that a total of 78 Caesar howitzers will be delivered to Ukraine, with an agreement in place to finance the self-propelled 155 mm artillery pieces. This move comes as part of a joint effort involving France, Ukraine, and Denmark to bolster Kyiv's defense capabilities.

In addition to the howitzers, France aims to significantly increase its supply of ammunition to Ukraine. The country plans to deliver 80,000 shells for 155 mm guns this year, a substantial rise from the 30,000 shells already provided since the conflict began on February 24, 2022.

Furthermore, France is actively participating in a multinational initiative to source additional gunpowder and ammunition for Ukraine. Led by the Czech Republic, the plan seeks to secure 800,000 artillery shells for Kyiv, with the first batch expected to arrive by June. Over 18 countries have joined this collective effort to support Ukraine's defense.

Recent commitments from Germany, France, and Poland underscore a broader European pledge to assist Ukraine in acquiring essential military resources. The trio of European powers has vowed to procure more weapons for Kyiv and ramp up the production of military equipment to address the urgent needs on the ground.

Defense Minister Lecornu emphasized the importance of European countries reducing their reliance on the United States for security. He highlighted the need for Europe to take greater responsibility for its defense, particularly in light of potential shifts in U.S. foreign policy priorities.

Concerns have been raised in Europe about the future of the NATO alliance, especially in the context of potential changes in U.S. leadership. The European Union is bracing for the possibility of having to navigate a more independent security landscape, as geopolitical dynamics evolve.

As the conflict in Ukraine continues to unfold, France's commitment to supporting Kyiv underscores the collective efforts of European nations to bolster the country's defense capabilities in the face of Russian aggression.

For more updates on the Russia-Ukraine conflict, visit AP's coverage.