France Condemns U.S. Pause on Military Aid to Ukraine, Warns of Dire Consequences
The relationship between France and the United States has hit a rough patch as France’s leadership sharply criticized a recent decision by the U.S. to pause its military aid to Ukraine. French Prime Minister François Bayrou unleashed strong words against the move, calling it “unbearable” and likening it to abandoning Ukraine in its fight against Russian aggression. Addressing French senators, Bayrou emphasized that the suspension of aid sends a dangerous message that could embolden Russia and undermine Ukraine’s ability to defend itself. He argued that halting support during a time of war is tantamount to leaving Ukraine vulnerable and allowing Russia to gain the upper hand. “The word ‘suspension’ fools no one,” Bayrou said. “The suspension in war of assistance to an aggressed country signifies that the aggressed country is being abandoned and that one accepts—or hopes—that its aggressor wins. It’s obviously unbearable,” he added.
France Urges Ukraine to Keep Fighting for Survival
Bayrou, a close ally of French President Emmanuel Macron, also criticized what he described as heavy pressure from the White House on Ukraine to negotiate a quick end to the conflict. He argued that Ukraine cannot afford to stop fighting, as its very existence is at stake. “If Russia stops fighting, the war stops. If Ukraine stops fighting, Ukraine disappears,” Bayrou said. His remarks reflect a deep concern that any cessation of resistance by Ukraine could lead to its territorial and political collapse. Bayrou’s comments came after the Trump administration announced the suspension of military aid on Monday, a move that has sparked widespread concern among Ukraine’s allies. Despite the suspension, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has not yet received formal notification of the pause, according to his nightly address. Zelenskyy expressed his readiness to collaborate with U.S. President Donald Trump to achieve a lasting peace, signaling his commitment to maintaining dialogue even amid the uncertainty.
Macron Seeks to Broker Peace Amid Tensions
While France’s prime minister has been vocal in his criticism of the U.S. decision, President Emmanuel Macron has taken a more diplomatic approach. Macron held separate phone calls with both Trump and Zelenskyy, reaffirming France’s commitment to working toward a “solid and lasting peace” in Ukraine. However, the Élysée Palace did not provide details of Macron’s discussions with Trump, leaving many to speculate about the tone and content of their conversation. Macron’s efforts to mediate come at a time when tensions between the U.S. and its European allies are running high, particularly over the abrupt shift in Washington’s Ukraine policy. The decision to suspend aid has raised questions about the stability of the U.S.-led coalition supporting Ukraine and has prompted concerns about the long-term implications for the conflict.
U.S. Decision Sparks Wider Concerns About Ukraine’s Future
Bayrou’s criticism of the U.S. suspension of military aid is part of a broader pattern of disapproval from French officials. Since the Trump administration’s public berating of Zelenskyy in a recent meeting, France has emerged as one of the strongest critics of the U.S. stance on Ukraine. In an address to France’s lower house of parliament on Monday, Bayrou described the treatment of Zelenskyy as “staggering” and accused the U.S. of using “brutality” to humiliate Ukraine’s leader and force him into submission to Russian President Vladimir Putin. Bayrou warned that the suspension of aid could have far-reaching consequences, not only in terms of military supplies and intelligence but also in terms of Ukrainian morale. “The Ukrainians feel terribly abandoned and terribly alone,” he said, emphasizing the psychological toll of the U.S. decision.
French Defense Minister Highlights Russian Aggression
In a separate development, French Defense Minister Sébastien Lecornu drew attention to what he described as “dangerous behavior” by a Russian Su-35 fighter jet. The incident occurred on Sunday, when a Russian jet reportedly buzzed a French Reaper drone conducting a surveillance mission in international airspace over the eastern Mediterranean. Lecornu shared a video of the encounter, which he characterized as a deliberate and aggressive act aimed at restricting the free movement of aircraft in shared airspace. “Three successive close passes, which could have led to the loss of control of the drone, demonstrated an intent to restrict free air circulation in shared spaces,” Lecornu wrote on social media. “This was a deliberate, unprofessional, and aggressive action that is unacceptable,” he added. The incident underscores the ongoing tensions between Russia and Western nations, particularly in the context of the Ukraine conflict.
France Takes a Stand for European Leadership
As the situation in Ukraine continues to unfold, France has positioned itself as a vocal advocate for European unity and leadership in response to the crisis. Bayrou’s sharp criticism of the U.S. decision reflects a broader frustration among European allies who fear that Washington’s actions could undermine the collective effort to support Ukraine. At the same time, Macron’s diplomatic efforts highlight France’s role as a key mediator in the conflict. By speaking out against the suspension of aid and emphasizing the need for continued support, France is signaling its commitment to upholding Ukraine’s sovereignty and resisting Russian aggression. However, the challenges ahead remain significant, as the international community grapples with the complexities of the conflict and the shifting dynamics of global alliances. For now, France’s strong stance serves as a reminder of the deepening divisions between the U.S. and its European partners over how to address the crisis in Ukraine.
