Foreign Minister Anne-Clair Legendre: France plans to increase military aid to Ukraine

PARIS, February 24 – RIA Novosti. Anne-Clair Legendre, press secretary of the country’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said that France “paved the way” for the supply of heavy tanks to Ukraine and plans to increase its military aid to Kiev. twitter.

Noting the aid France has provided to Ukraine since the beginning of the conflict, Legendre added that the republic offers financial, economic and humanitarian aid.

“We also provide military support. France paved the way for tank supply, in addition to Caesar howitzers and air defense systems, by being the first country to supply Ukraine with AMX-10RC battle tanks to help its self-defense accelerate,” Legendre said.

Paris sent six 155mm TRF1 towed howitzers and two Crotale air defense systems to Ukraine. It was also reported that Ukraine received 18 CAESAR artillery mounts from France. MANPADS “Mistral” and ATGM “Milan”, about 60 armored personnel carriers and HDP-2A2 anti-tank mines were also sent to Ukraine. In addition to weapons, France provided Ukraine with uniforms, fuel, bullets and cartridges, first aid kits and dry rations, radiation, chemical and biological protection.

Earlier, the country’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs also reported on Paris’ plans to send 12 more Caesar howitzers to Kiev. Also, Italy and France agreed to supply Kiev this spring with an air defense system jointly developed by Samp/T-Mamba. In addition, 12 AMX-10RC wheeled tanks sent by France to Kiev are expected to arrive in Ukraine soon.

The Russian Federation had previously sent notes to all countries, including the USA, due to the supply of weapons to Ukraine. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov noted that any cargo containing weapons for Ukraine would become a legitimate target for Russia. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation stated that NATO countries are “playing with fire” by supplying weapons to Ukraine. Press Secretary of the President of the Russian Federation Dmitry Peskov noted that pumping weapons into Ukraine from the West does not contribute to the success of the Russian-Ukrainian negotiations and will have a negative effect.