French authorities have sent Kyiv a total of 100m euros in military aid and are planning new deliveries. The Elysee Palace said in a statement on May 2. “Deliveries of deadly and non-lethal weapons worth 100 million euros – defense equipment, optoelectronic equipment, weapons and ammunition, weapons systems that meet the needs of Ukraine. France will continue to provide additional military capabilities to Ukraine in response to the needs expressed by Ukrainian authorities, and in coordination with our European partners and allies, “the statement said.
The statement did not specify what types of weapons were being delivered to Ukraine, but French President Emmanuel Macron had earlier said he planned to send 155-millimeter Cesar self-propelled artillery to Ukraine. He also spoke about the supply of anti-tank missile systems to Ukraine. At the same time, Macron stressed that France should not cross the “red line, namely not be a party to the conflict.” In addition to weapons, France has sent about 615 tonnes of humanitarian aid worth 100m euros, including medical supplies, tents, hygiene kits and food. The Ukrainian emergency services also received 15 fire trucks and ambulances. The French development agency has announced 300m euros in government-guaranteed loans as part of its financial assistance to Kyiv. As part of efforts to establish responsibility for the crimes committed during the conflict, French authorities have sent a team of forensic scientists and a mobile laboratory to the country. It is reported that “at the request of the Ukrainian authorities, their mission will be extended.” Paris will also provide 500,000 euros to the International Criminal Court, which is involved in the investigation and has seconded two magistrates and ten investigators to support efforts in this area. More than 51,000 refugees from Ukraine have arrived in France since the conflict began on April 28. The country has prepared 90,000 accommodations and 29,000 people have taken advantage of the offer.
