France Supports Ukraine with New Resolution
The French National Assembly has passed a resolution calling for more help to be given to Ukraine. The lower chamber of the country‘s parliament voted in favor of the resolution on March 13.
The resolution asks European countries and NATO to send more money, supplies, and troops to help Ukraine. It also wants Europe to seize Russian assets that have been frozen due to sanctions. These assets are worth around $300 billion, with two-thirds being held in Europe.
Most of this money is currently used for loans to Ukraine, which earns interest on the frozen Russian assets. The resolution aims to use these funds to help Ukraine’s military and rebuild the country after the war.
Despite some opposition from lawmakers, the resolution passed with 288 votes in its favor. However, 54 lawmakers from France Unbowed and the Communist Party voted against it, while the far-right National Rally abstained.
The French government wants to create an independent European defense system and is considering sending a European peacekeeping force to Ukraine once the fighting stops. This proposal aligns with efforts by President Emmanuel Macron and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer to support Ukraine.
A recent poll found that two-thirds of the French public want to continue or increase aid to Ukraine and send peacekeepers after a ceasefire. France is one of Ukraine’s biggest supporters, along with the UK.
The resolution comes as US President Donald Trump puts pressure on European countries to contribute more to helping Ukraine.