France: Ukraine Will Receive Security Guarantees with U.S. Participation
France announces progress in security guarantees for Ukraine with U.S. participation and new EU funding.
SUMMARY
France announced progress in security guarantees for Ukraine with U.S. involvement, emphasizing the importance of EU funding to cover Ukraine's military and financial expenses over the next two years.
KEY HIGHLIGHTS
- France confirms progress in the security guarantees file for Ukraine with U.S. participation.
- Paris seeks to cover Ukraine's expenses for two years despite European disagreements over funding.
- Zelensky warns of a significant financial deficit that could affect Ukraine's military production.
- The European Commission proposes a compensation loan from frozen Russian assets worth 210 billion euros.
CORE SUBJECT
Security guarantees and funding for Ukraine
The French Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced today, Thursday, progress regarding security guarantees for Ukraine, indicating that Kyiv will receive security guarantees with American participation.
The official spokesperson for the French Foreign Ministry, Pascal Confavreux, told Al Arabiya/Al Hadath that Ukraine desires peace and a ceasefire, unlike Russia, and that there is progress in the file concerning security guarantees for Kyiv with the participation of the United States.
He also stated that ensuring Ukraine's ability to defend itself and deter Russia is a top priority, emphasizing that security guarantees for Ukraine come before any discussion about territory.
Regarding the economic aspect, Paris explained that disagreements within the European Union over financing Ukraine are natural, but confirmed that there is a European decision to continue freezing Russian assets until the end of the war.
The spokesperson for the French Foreign Ministry also indicated that Paris seeks to cover Ukraine's expenses for two years.
New Funding for Kyiv
Earlier today, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky called on European Union leaders to expedite reaching an agreement on providing new funding for Kyiv, after attending a summit in Brussels as a guest.
Zelensky told reporters in Brussels on Thursday that without new funding, Ukraine would face a deficit ranging between 45 and 50 billion euros (52.8 - 58.7 billion dollars) next year and might have to reduce its military production.
Meanwhile, the European Commission proposed providing Ukraine with up to 210 billion euros from frozen Russian assets within the European Union, in the form of a compensation loan, of which 90 billion euros would be allocated to cover financial and military needs during 2026 and 2027.
Belgium, which holds the largest share of these assets, opposes this plan citing legal and financial risks.
KEYWORDS
MENTIONED ENTITIES 6
French Ministry of Foreign Affairs
🏛️ OrganizationThe French government body responsible for foreign policy
Pascal Confavreux
👤 Person_MaleOfficial spokesperson for the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Volodymyr Zelensky
👤 Person_MalePresident of Ukraine
European Commission
🏛️ OrganizationThe executive body of the European Union
Belgium
📍 Location_CountryEU member state opposing the funding plan
European Union
🏛️ OrganizationPolitical and economic union of European countries