United to win: Macron and Sunak pledge to boost aid for Ukraine with ammunition and air defense
French President Emmanuel Macron and the Prime Minister of Great Britain discussed further support for Ukraine, agreeing to increase the supply of ammunition, drones, and air defense.
This is reported on the websites of the Elysee Palace and the British government.
What did Macron and Sunak discuss?
The two European leaders pledged to work together to hold a new summit of the European Political Community. It is planned to consider, among other things:
- development of cooperation in the field of artificial intelligence,
- joint efforts to combat illegal migration and organized crime.
Regarding Ukraine, the Prime Minister and the President agreed on the importance of intensifying efforts aimed at depriving Russia of victory in its aggressive war against Ukraine.
In particular, they agreed to strengthen military support for Ukraine. Macron's administration does not specify exactly how, but Downing Street noted that it is about plans to increase the supply of weapons.
"They discussed the priorities for the coming months, in particular, increasing the supply of ammunition, drones, and air defense for Ukraine's armed forces," the British ministry emphasized.
In addition, Sunak and Macron discussed the situation in the Gaza Strip and the Middle East. They shared "deep concern" over the growing humanitarian crisis in the Palestinian enclave and reiterated the importance of securing an immediate ceasefire.
At the same time, the leaders of both countries confirmed their commitment to the independence, sovereignty, and security of Moldova.
The conversation took place via video link the day before on the 120th anniversary of the signing of the Anglo-French agreement, known as the "cordial agreement," which later developed into the Entente.
There were simultaneous military parades at Buckingham Palace in London and the Elysee Palace in Paris, with speeches from the leaders of each country.
For reference:
As Rubryka wrote, the Ministers of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine and Great Britain, Dmytro Kuleba and David Cameron, coordinated the following steps to search for and deliver additional air defense systems.
It is worth adding that at the end of March, France announced the preparation of a new military aid package for Ukraine's armed forces, including hundreds of armored vehicles and Aster anti-aircraft missiles.
On March 26, French Defense Minister Sébastien Lecornu said his country would soon deliver 78 Caesar self-propelled artillery units to Ukraine.
In addition, the French company Delair will deliver 400 reconnaissance drones to the Ukrainian army.
Also, Paris and Berlin agreed to enable the Franco-German company KNDS, which creates, particularly tanks, to establish a production unit in Ukraine.
It should be noted that Canada also upped its support for Ukraine, especially considering the delays in approving the next aid package by the US Congress.