PARIS – France will deliver “lightweight” battle tanks to Ukraine, President Emmanuel Macron’s office announced on Wednesday, making it the first country to send such Western-designed armored fighting vehicles to the war-torn country.
Alysée said after a phone call between Macron and his Ukrainian counterpart Volodymyr Zelensky that France would send AMX-10RC armored fighting vehicles, which Paris is gradually replacing with new Jaguar battle tanks.
Several countries have already sent Soviet-era tanks to Ukraine. France and Germany were both pressured to send tanks to Ukraine, but refused Kyiv’s request.
An adviser to French Armed Forces Minister Sébastien Lecornu said Wednesday’s decision was made to help Ukraine prepare for a “possible Russian invasion” in the spring.
“Ukraine is now at a turning point The frontline … Russia is trying to terrorize the population with its drone attacks that sometimes reach Kyiv, but Ukraine may also launch a retaliatory strike, ”he said.
Zelensky Thank you The two leaders had a “long and detailed conversation” and that the French president’s “leadership brings our victory closer,” Macron said on Twitter.
However, Ukraine’s requests for more weapons from the Allies have still not been fully satisfied: in December, Kyiv formally asked for another model of the tank, Leclerc – France’s main battle tank – instead of the AMX-10 light tanks, which are being phased out.
The maintenance of France’s defense capabilities remains “a red line” for Macron, according to an adviser to the French Armed Forces ministry.
France also did not say how many vehicles it would send. The French and Ukrainian defense ministries are expected to discuss equipment deliveries soon.