French MPs debated the strategy that France and the EU should adopt concerning Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in a symbolic debate in the National Assembly. The debate, opened by Prime Minister François Bayrou, saw most MPs supporting Kyiv and its leader, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, with calls for a common EU defence framework in response to the US’s warming relations with Russia.
The proposed strategy could cost the EU up to €200 billion and may focus on France’s nuclear arsenal, as the only EU country with nuclear warheads. While lawmakers welcomed the Ukrainian ambassador with a standing ovation, the National Assembly remained divided on the approach to take.
Bayrou criticized the recent confrontation between Trump and Zelenskyy, where the US appeared to pull back its support for Ukraine. He emphasized the need for Europe to guarantee its own security and defense, stating that Europeans needed to realize their strength.
Different stances were taken by various parties, with the far-right National Rally Party urging support for Ukraine while prioritizing national interests. In contrast, the Green Party and Socialist Party supported a stronger EU defense framework, criticizing the bloc’s reliance on the US.
Another debate at the Senate is scheduled to discuss peace efforts and the recent news of the White House pausing military aid to Kyiv. The discussions highlight the complexities and divisions within French politics concerning the response to the conflict in Ukraine.
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