Following debates in both the National Assembly and the Senate of France, it is clear that Ukraine has the full support of French society.
This was stated by the Ambassador of Ukraine to France, Vadym Omelchenko, in a comment to a Ukrinform correspondent.
According to him, the tone of the discussion held on March 4 in the Senate, the upper house of parliament, was set by Cédric Perrin, the chairman of the Foreign Affairs, Defense, and Armed Forces Committee.
“He spoke not only as a senator but also as a witness, having recently been part of a delegation I accompanied, led by Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot, which visited the front-line region in Sumy region. They had the opportunity to meet and talk with our soldiers, and Perrin told his colleagues that he was still deeply moved by what he saw and heard there,” the ambassador shared.
Senators also discussed strengthening European security, acknowledging that defense must now take priority over other state policies.
“The overarching message was that, in a rapidly changing environment, Ukraine must be supported with all possible efforts. This sentiment was echoed in nearly every senator’s speech. There is also an understanding that Europe faces a new reality in which it can only rely on itself and must take responsibility for its own defense,” Omelchenko emphasized.
The debate was concluded by French Prime Minister François Bayrou, who stated that replacing U.S. military aid is a civilizational duty of the European Union.
“Addressing our delegation at the end, he asked us to convey to the Ukrainian people the message that they are not alone,” the Ukrainian ambassador added.
As Ukrinform previously reported, France, together with other European countries, will seek to mobilize all possible resources to compensate for the suspension of U.S. military aid to Ukraine.
Source: During Senate debate, French PM asks to convey to Ukrainians they are not alone – Ambassador
