In a significant development, France has stepped forward to offer intelligence assistance to Ukraine after the United States suspended its intelligence sharing with Kyiv.
French Defence Minister Sébastien Lecornu announced the move on Thursday, a day after Washington paused its cooperation—a decision reportedly aimed at pressuring Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy to engage with President Donald Trump’s initiative to convene peace talks with Russia.
Speaking on France Inter, Lecornu stated, “We have intelligence resources that we use to help the Ukrainians,” emphasizing that the U.S. suspension began “yesterday afternoon.” He noted, however, that for the United Kingdom, which has a closely aligned intelligence community with the United States, the situation is “more complicated.”
This latest gesture comes as the geopolitical landscape remains tense, with Russia’s invasion of Ukraine continuing to influence international alliances and strategies. Lecornu also highlighted France’s independent nuclear weapons stockpile—developed during the early Cold War—as a symbol of the nation’s capacity to safeguard its interests. President Emmanuel Macron, speaking on the eve of an upcoming European summit focused on Ukraine and defense, reiterated France’s openness to extend the protective umbrella of its nuclear arsenal to European partners amid escalating threats from Russia.
As the suspension of U.S. intelligence sharing adds a layer of complexity to the ongoing conflict, France’s offer of support underscores a broader effort among European nations to ensure Ukraine continues to receive vital assistance in its struggle against Russian aggression.
Read next
05:50
Talks in Paris between U.S. officials and European leaders have kickstarted a new diplomatic format aimed at shaping Ukraine's post-war future, with the involvement of Europe’s three most powerful countries.
10:03
Two of President Donald Trump's top national security aides plan to hold talks in Paris with French President Emmanuel Macron on Thursday as the United States and Europe search for common ground on ending the Ukraine war and averting an Iran conflict.
15:00
Algeria has ordered 12 French embassy officials to leave the country within 48 hours in response to the arrest of three Algerian nationals in France, prompting sharp criticism from the French government.
12:19
Diplomatic tensions
France has warned it will take swift action if Algeria follows through on threats to expel 12 French diplomats, as tensions between the two countries resurface.
11:01
Jordan, Egypt and France
– Leaders from Jordan, Egypt, and France are set to meet in Cairo on Monday for high-level discussions focused on the escalating crisis in the Gaza Strip.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment