We will continue to support Ukraine as long as necessary. This was stated by the President of France Emmanuel Macron at a press conference after the end of the NATO summit in Washington, France Press reported, quoted by BTA.
"We will continue to support Ukraine for as long as it takes. It is in this spirit that the important decisions were taken here in Washington to make our support permanent and progress towards Ukraine's membership in NATO," said the French president.
He added that the issue of NATO's direct involvement in the conflict in Ukraine is not on the agenda. "While there is no direct involvement of the Alliance in the conflict in Ukraine, it is essential that Allies continue to provide effective support. Russia must not win the war, not only the future of Ukraine is at stake, but also the peace and security of everyone on the continent," Macron said.
At the press conference, the French president assured that France will continue to fulfill its international obligations, but refused to comment on domestic political issues. He said he also assured allies that his country would continue to adhere to its international commitments.
Macron also said that it is legitimate for Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán to travel to Russia and China in his capacity as Hungarian Prime Minister, but not on behalf of the EU.
For Biden, Macron said he had a detailed conversation with him. And about Biden's blunder, presented by Zelensky as Putin, he said that such a slip could happen to anyone.
I had the opportunity to speak with President Biden at length yesterday over dinner. I also listened when he talked to other people on the sidelines of meetings. And every time I saw a president who is up to date, who is accurate on the issues being discussed, who he knows well,“, Macron said.
"An experienced man, because he is undoubtedly around the negotiating table here, one of those who have the greatest depth of insight into these international issues and whose solidity as an ally, his knowledge and his commitment to Europe are worthy of an example," Macron said.
"France, Europe, Ukraine are very lucky to have such an administration, a president as committed as him,”, Macron said, referring to Biden.
„The most important thing for me is that the discussion we had yesterday was accurate, friendly, professional and completely reassuring in all respects regarding the American commitment, its strength and its duration,”, Macron said.
After the press conference, Macron said in an interview that France is ready to help rebuild the pediatric hospital in Kyiv that was destroyed on Monday. Kiev says the clinic was hit by a Russian missile. Macron said that he condemns these attacks against civilian objects in the strongest possible terms.
He stressed that France is determined to continue supporting Ukraine as strongly and for as long as it takes to defeat Russia's war of aggression against that country. Macron also emphasized France's commitment to make the necessary diplomatic efforts together with the entire international community to achieve a lasting and just peace, while respecting the legitimate rights of Ukraine and the fundamental principles of international law