Macron Calls for Increased Support for Ukraine Against Russian Aggression: Western Leaders Urged to Step Up Efforts

There is a “broad consensus to do more and faster”, he added.

“Nothing can be ruled out to achieve our goal. Russia cannot win this war.”

Macron, opening the conference at the Elysée Palace, had said that Ukraine’s allies should step up to help the country as the war continues into its third year.

“We have seen a hardening on the part of Russia, especially in recent months,” Macron said. He said that this was manifested both in the death of Vladimir Putin’s opponent Alexei Navalny on February 16, and in the strengthening of Russian positions on the front, where Russia is planning “new attacks”.

Macron said a “leap” was needed from the West in its approach, which “takes into account the transformation of the threat from a military and strategic point of view”.

The conference signaled Macron’s willingness to present himself as a European champion for Ukraine, amid growing concerns that US support could dry up in the coming months.

“We must jointly ensure that Putin cannot destroy our achievements and cannot extend his aggression to other countries,” Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyi said in a video address opening the conference.

Speaking to reporters on Sunday, Zelensky said European leaders understand “how dangerous” this war is “for all of Europe.” “I think they have realized that Putin will continue this war,” Zelensky said.

Western officials admit that Russia may gain the upper hand in the war this year as Ukraine runs out of weapons and ammunition.

Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov announced on Sunday that half of the military aid promised to western Kiev was being delivered late, lamenting that “commitment does not mean delivery”.

2024-02-27 06:17:33
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