Macron Urges French Military to Defend Freedom Globally, Including in Ukraine

French President Emmanuel Macron called on the French Armed Forces to defend freedom in the world, including in Ukraine.

The Gaze reports on this with reference to Ukrinform.

He emphasised this in his address to the military on the eve of the national holiday, Bastille Day.

‘Freedom is under threat everywhere in the world. So let's defend it. Let's defend it in Ukraine, because our security and our freedom are linked to the fate of this country,’ Macron said.

In this context, he recalled the ‘coalition of the willing’ created jointly with Great Britain ‘to contribute to ensuring the lasting peace that is necessary on our continent.’

‘This “coalition of the willing”, initiated in Paris in February last year, now brings together 30 countries. An operational headquarters has been set up and is based in Paris. This is exactly what we want to do and what we are doing to make France a framework country for future operations,’ the French president stressed.

Macron also recalled France's nuclear deterrence and its important role in Europe's ‘collective security.’ The president instructed the Minister of the Armed Forces to initiate a strategic dialogue with European partners.

‘Everywhere in Europe, people are counting on France's strength. So let's protect our freedom in all areas,’ the French leader stressed.

As The Gaze reported earlier, French President Emmanuel Macron has called on Russian President Vladimir Putin to agree to an immediate ceasefire in Ukraine and engage in peace negotiations, during their first known conversation since the autumn of 2022. 

Earlier, the French president said that a ‘coalition of the willing’ should organise urgent aid to Ukraine, force Russian President Vladimir Putin to cease fire by imposing tough sanctions against Russia, and continue to work on security guarantees after that.