“In nearly five years of full-scale war, relations between Kyiv and Paris have never been stronger than they are today. Many people asked not ‘whether France would support Ukraine,’ but ‘for how long.’ We got our answer not through declarations, but through decisions: Caesar howitzers, air defence systems, the training of Ukrainian brigades, Mirage aircraft, and France’s consistent voice in every forum where Ukraine’s future is discussed”
Leo Litra, Senior Research Fellow at the New Europe Center, addressed participants at the opening of the 5th Ukraine–France Forum. He emphasised that the partnership between the two countries has grown stronger throughout the full-scale war, and that the next step is to turn military and political support into long-term cooperation.
Key takeaways from his speech:
- Ukraine is defending not only itself, but Europe as well. Russian aggression extends beyond the battlefield: sabotage, cyberattacks, disinformation and other hybrid threats are also directed against European countries and their democratic institutions.
- Support must match the scale of the threat. Ukraine’s resilience and combat experience are important, but they cannot replace ammunition, air defence systems and the resources needed to protect energy infrastructure. Support from international partners remains critical.
- The Ukraine–France partnership must move to the next level. Ukraine has experience in modern warfare, a developed defence industry and engineering expertise. France brings technological capabilities, industrial capacity and capital. Joint production and investment can strengthen the defence capabilities of both countries.
- Peace must be just and lasting. The goal is not merely to end hostilities, but to ensure that Russia cannot resume its aggression. This requires a capable Ukraine, reliable security guarantees and accountability for Russia’s crimes and the destruction it has caused.
- Ukraine’s future lies in the EU and NATO. Ukraine’s accession to European and Euro-Atlantic institutions is not a burden for its partners, but an investment in Europe’s security and strategic autonomy.
- Russia is trying to break Ukraine’s spirit by attacking critical infrastructure. Unable to achieve its objectives on the battlefield, Putin is shifting the pressure onto civilians by targeting energy and food infrastructure. The aim is to leave Ukrainians without electricity and heating and to break their resilience through cold and hunger. Yet Ukraine continues to resist and refuses to yield to attempts to force it into submission.
In conclusion, Leo Litra called for solidarity between Ukraine and France to become a long-term foundation for cooperation built on joint production, strong institutions and security.
Watch the full recording of the speech in Ukrainian: https://cutt.ly/wymCcq0Y
The Forum is organized with the support of the French Ministry of European and Foreign Affairs. For this event, the New Europe Center is supported by the International Renaissance Foundation.
