• France commits €2 billion in new military support for Ukraine, with additional funds drawn from frozen Russian assets.
  • Macron calls for coalition meeting to rally European partners amid uncertainty over US aid.
  • EU faces internal divisions over proposed €40 billion military package for Kyiv.

France Doubles Down on Ukraine Support

President Emmanuel Macron announced a significant escalation in France's military assistance to Ukraine, pledging €2 billion in new support while pushing European allies to increase their commitments. The move comes as Kyiv faces critical shortages in ammunition and air defenses, with US aid stalled in Congress.

Speaking to reporters, Macron emphasized the urgency of "mobilizing all partners" ahead of a key coalition meeting in Paris on March 27. French officials confirmed the package includes nearly €200 million from interest earned on frozen Russian central bank assets - a controversial funding mechanism that Paris supports despite reservations from some EU members.

The European Calculus

Behind closed doors, EU diplomats report heated debates over a proposed €40 billion military aid package. While 26 member states (excluding Hungary) recently reaffirmed support for Ukraine, France and Italy have raised objections to the plan's structure. "There are legitimate concerns about burden-sharing and long-term sustainability," said one European official familiar with the discussions.

Macron's military advisers have concurrently explored options for potential peacekeeping operations, though officials stress any deployment would focus on monitoring rather than combat roles. This comes as Ukraine's battlefield position grows increasingly precarious, with Russian forces making incremental gains.

The Frozen Assets Dilemma

France's use of interest from immobilized Russian assets reflects a compromise position. While supporting this approach, Paris opposes outright seizure of the principal - a stance that puts it at odds with more hawkish allies. "The legal risks are simply too great," explained a French finance ministry official, speaking on condition of anonymity.

Market analysts note the announcement briefly lifted defense sector stocks across Europe, with France's Thales SA and Dassault Aviation SA both gaining over 2% in early trading. The euro held steady at $1.08 following the news.

The Elysée Palace declined to provide additional details when contacted about specific weapons systems included in the package. German and Polish officials didn't immediately respond to requests for comment on Macron's coalition-building efforts.