:quality(85)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/infobae/AFTTAMZVORGF5K4U4PJOS7LFYE.jpg "France announced the massive shipment of armored vehicles and anti-aircraft missiles to Ukraine to confront Russian troops")
France to Send Armored Vehicles and Anti-Aircraft Missiles to Ukraine to Confront Russian Forces
French Defense Minister Sébastien Lecornu announced that France will be sending a massive shipment of armored vehicles and Aster anti-aircraft missiles to Ukraine in a new gesture of support to help the country confront Russian forces. The aid package will include “hundreds” of armored vehicles and Aster anti-aircraft missiles.
Lecornu stated that the Ukrainian army needs troop transport vehicles for mobility on the front lines and that France will be delivering the necessary vehicles, including older models that are still functional, in large quantities by 2024 and early 2025.
In addition to the armored vehicles, France will also be supplying more Aster 30 anti-aircraft missiles for SAMP/T systems to enhance Ukraine’s air defense capabilities. The French government is also working on developing remotely operated munitions to be delivered to Ukraine starting this summer.
Ukraine has been urging its Western allies to provide more aid quickly to help counter Russian troops, but political dissension in the United States and the European Union has hindered the delivery of weapons and funds in recent months. Ukrainian President Volodimir Zelensky expressed concerns about the lack of support, stating that without it, Ukrainian forces may have to cede more ground to Russia.
Confirmation of the aid package comes after French President Emmanuel Macron reiterated that “operations on the ground” in Ukraine may be necessary. France, along with Germany and Poland, remain committed to preventing a Russian victory in the war against Ukraine, while also maintaining a position of not taking the initiative for an escalation.
The French government aims to support Ukraine and boost its own defense industry production to meet military needs and ensure continued assistance for Ukraine in its conflict with Russia. With the aid package, France hopes to provide Ukraine with the necessary resources to defend itself and push back against Russian aggression.