Kristina Kazakova10:57 PM, October 16, 2026

He added that additional meetings would be held in the coming days to expedite the process of issuing permits for the more rapid production of certain types of French weapons in Ukraine.

French President Emmanuel Macron stated that Europeans have made it clear they will not abandon Ukraine and its people. He made this statement at a press conference following the European Council meeting in Brussels.

“The message from Europeans is clear: we will not abandon Ukraine and Ukrainians. This is a war of resistance against Russia’s war of aggression,” Macron said.

In his view, Europe’s role is to remain steadfast, as Europe’s security and the protection of international principles are at stake.

The French President noted that Russia’s actions are hindering the export of Ukrainian grain:

“Ukraine has reaped one of its record harvests, which helps feed many developing and poor countries. I’m referring to Egypt and many other African countries. Today, Russia has deliberately decided to starve these countries and impoverish Ukraine. We will respond, but such actions are criminal in every respect.”

Macron noted that aid to Ukraine is not only a manifestation of goodwill, but also the defense of one’s own interests.

“This is in our interests. This is the unanimous position of Europeans, and it concerns our security. Capitulation is weakness. Weakness is danger. I believe the best way to protect the French people today is to help Ukraine the way we are doing, because it is on the front lines of our security,” he explained.

A journalist asked Macron what he thought of French presidential candidate Marine Le Pen’s statement that if she came to power, the country would stop financial aid to Ukraine within six months.

“If France, like all other member states of the European Union, supports Ukraine, it is because we recognize that our security is at stake,” Macron emphasized.

In his opinion, whoever says such a thing will put France in an unprecedented position:

“Whoever tells the French people today, ‘We’ll save money because this isn’t serious, we’ll stop supporting Ukraine,’ will immediately put France in an unprecedented position. We’ll be the only ones who won’t do this anymore. The only ones. And we’ll, in a way, be making it clear that our security is worth little.”

Separately, the French president spoke about his thoughts on the agreement between US President Donald Trump and Russian dictator Vladimir Putin regarding the supply of diesel fuel from Russia.

“First of all, I believe the decision taken doesn’t benefit anyone. It sends a negative signal and breeds discord and doubt. I don’t think it’s very helpful. It breeds mistrust. We need to lower the prices of diesel, gasoline, and gas. But this isn’t what will effectively lower them. It’s the wrong response. I think it’s inappropriate and ineffective,” Macron noted.

The French President announced plans to accelerate the implementation of the agreements reached between France and Ukraine in July. Specifically, these agreements concern missile supplies, developing cooperation on drones, and strengthening missile defense.

“Additional meetings will be held in the coming days to expedite the licensing process, that is, the issuance of permits for the more rapid production of certain types of our weapons by third parties directly on Ukrainian territory,” he said.

(C)UNIAN 2026