During a meeting in Paris, both the United States and France expressed unwavering support for Ukraine amidst its ongoing conflict with Russia. President Biden emphasized the gravity of the situation, warning that Russian aggression would not cease with Ukraine alone, potentially threatening all of Europe. French President Macron commended Biden’s steadfast commitment to Europe, highlighting the significance of transatlantic solidarity in the face of shared threats.
The visit coincided with commemorations for the 80th anniversary of the D-Day landings, underscoring the historical ties between the United States and France in confronting common challenges. Biden and Macron’s meeting with Ukrainian President Zelenskyy further solidified their joint pledge to assist Ukraine in its struggle.
A joint statement released by the White House emphasized the strategic cooperation between the US and France in supporting Ukraine’s security needs. Both countries reiterated their commitment to providing various forms of assistance, including political, security, humanitarian, and economic aid, to bolster Ukraine’s resilience in the face of Russian aggression.
While the US and France share overarching goals of safeguarding Ukraine’s sovereignty and countering Russian expansionism, they differ in their approaches. Former US Ambassador to NATO Kurt Volker noted that while both countries aim to support Ukraine as a sovereign democracy, their strategies diverge. The US has adopted a cautious approach to avoid escalating tensions with Russia, while Macron has advocated for more proactive measures, including potential military assistance.
Macron’s proposal to deploy trainers to assist Ukraine in regulating its air defenses has drawn attention, signaling a willingness to explore more assertive actions. In contrast, the US remains opposed to deploying personnel on Ukrainian soil, adhering to a stance unchanged since Russia’s invasion in 2022. Discussions also revolved around leveraging interest from frozen Russian assets to aid Ukraine, and a proposal was met with skepticism from some European G7 allies.
Despite challenges, Ukraine has received increased support from Western allies, with France, Germany, and the US granting permission for Ukraine to utilize provided weapons against Russian targets. Biden reassured Zelenskyy of continued US support, acknowledging past delays in aid and affirming a steadfast commitment. The message from both leaders was clear: solidarity with Ukraine remains unwavering, emphasizing that they are “still in” and fully committed to supporting Ukraine’s defense against Russian aggression.