France Bolsters Ukraine's Defense with €2 Billion Military Pledge

France committed €2 billion in military aid to Ukraine at a summit in Paris where European leaders gathered to discuss strengthening Ukraine against Russia. While the U.S. is absent, European nations, led by Macron and Starmer, consider security arrangements amidst challenges from Russia.

In a significant show of support, France has pledged €2 billion in military aid to Ukraine. This announcement came during a summit in Paris, where President Volodymyr Zelenskiy met with approximately 30 leaders, aiming to bolster Kyiv's defense against Russia. European leaders are keen on solidifying Ukraine's resistance.

The summit, referred to by France and Britain as the "coalition of the willing," reflects European concerns over waning U.S. support for Ukraine. The gathering included high-profile figures such as the British, Polish, and Italian prime ministers, as well as NATO's secretary-general. There is a push for Europe to play a pivotal role in future peace talks.

Despite U.S. President Donald Trump's efforts to broker peace, significant advancements remain elusive. Discussions at the summit focused on enhancing Ukraine's military capacity and monitoring ceasefires. France aims to involve the U.S. administration, though Russia's recent conditions for ceasefires pose challenges. European leaders, including Macron and Keir Starmer, are exploring security arrangements given the constraints.

(With inputs from agencies.)