3 years of war: how France supports Ukraine

In the early months of the conflict, Paris faced international criticism, primarily for delays in delivering heavy military equipment. The government, led by President Macron, was initially wary of escalating hostilities and potentially jeopardising its cooperation with Russia—French pragmatism at play. However, under pressure from the shifting situation and Eastern European countries, France ultimately decided to supply Ukraine with advanced weaponry.

Military Equipment Deliveries – A Shift in Paris’s Strategy

A key element of French support has been the CAESAR self-propelled howitzers. The first units were sent to Ukraine in the spring of 2022. With their precision and range, CAESAR howitzers played a significant role in Ukraine’s counteroffensive operations in the south and in the defence of Bakhmut.

Additionally, France provided SAMP/T air defence systems, strengthening Ukraine’s protection against air raids and drone attacks. Further support included AMX-10RC light armoured reconnaissance vehicles, armoured personnel carriers, and eventually Mirage fighter jets. By the end of 2024, the total value of military equipment delivered exceeded €5 billion.

Key weapons supplied by France:

• 6 Mirage 2000-5 (delivered)
• Over 40 AMX-10 RC (deliveries commenced in March 2023; 38 delivered by February 2024)
• Over 284 VAB wheeled armoured personnel carriers (ongoing deliveries)
• 21 TRF1 howitzers (6 delivered, remainder purchased via the security capacity-building fund)
• 70 CAESAR 6x6 155 mm self-propelled howitzers (deliveries ongoing since May 2022)
• 4 LRU launchers (French version of the 227mm MLRS)
• 2 batteries of the Crotale NG air defence system
• 1 SAMP/T battery (jointly with Italy)
• An undisclosed number of SCALP-EG cruise missiles (estimated at several dozen)
• 4 Ground Master 200 radars
• An undisclosed number of PFM (Pont Flottant Motorisé) floating bridges (ordered by Ukraine via the security capacity-building fund)
• "Dozens" of VAB Génie engineering vehicles
• An undisclosed number of EFA (Engin de Franchissement de l'Avant) amphibious transporters
• An undisclosed number of demining robots (likely ECA or MBDA SDZ systems)

Training the Ukrainian Armed Forces

French support has not been limited to equipment deliveries. Training programmes for Ukrainian soldiers have become a key pillar of assistance. In 2023, France established specialist training centres, mainly in the Grand Est region in the east of the country.

These centres replicate battlefield conditions, allowing soldiers to train in realistic combat scenarios. The programme includes training on modern artillery systems such as CAESAR and responses to trench warfare situations. France has committed to training approximately 4,500 Ukrainian soldiers. Some training is conducted directly in Ukraine, demonstrating Paris’s growing determination to support Kyiv, even within an active war zone.

A notable misstep, however, was the training of the Anne of Kyiv Brigade, from which several hundred soldiers deserted, and those deployed to the front were assigned to completely different tasks. Nevertheless, France is willing to train another brigade.

French Troops in Ukraine – A New Level of Engagement

In May 2024, a proposal emerged for deploying French military personnel to Ukraine. This was a topic of discussion between French, Ukrainian, and NATO representatives. Although no decision has yet been made, the mere consideration of such a move indicates a shift in France’s approach to the war.

The deployment of troops could accelerate training efforts and enhance the effectiveness of Ukrainian forces on the battlefield. However, Paris must weigh the risk of escalating the conflict and the potential Russian response to the direct presence of NATO military personnel in Ukraine.

Strategic Cooperation Agreement

Another milestone in Franco-Ukrainian cooperation was the signing of a 10-year strategic partnership agreement in February 2024. This document includes financial commitments and cooperation in supplying and modernising artillery systems.

France has pledged to develop joint projects in the field of armaments and further military exercises between the two nations. Additionally, joint ammunition production and French investments in Ukraine after the war will play a crucial role.

France and Geopolitics

France’s involvement in assisting Ukraine is not without challenges. Paris must balance its support for Kyiv with maintaining stable relations with key international players, including India, China, and Turkey.

Furthermore, France seeks to strengthen its leadership role in Europe, competing with Germany and aiming to influence Central and Eastern European states. This comes at a time when France is withdrawing troops from Africa (closing several bases) and redefining its foreign policy regarding the Indo-Pacific region.

1,000 Days of War – Symbolism and Meaning

More than 1,000 days have passed since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. For Ukraine, this period has been one of continuous struggle for sovereignty and survival. For the international community, including France, it has been a time of redefining security policies and constructing a new geopolitical order. Has much changed? Little. There is already talk of unfreezing Russian assets that could have been liquidated.

French support, initially limited, has grown in significance over time. By supplying crucial weaponry, training soldiers, and engaging in diplomacy, Paris has become one of Ukraine’s key partners in its fight against Russian aggression. Now, not a week goes by without Macron quoting Zelensky, and vice versa.

The New Macron and the army

The French president continues to organise meetings with European partners. The issue, however, is that these meetings yield little tangible result. Talks about the need to increase arms production have been ongoing for three years. While some deliveries have accelerated, and many countries (especially frontline states) are now allocating significantly more than 2% of GDP to defence, it remains insufficient to influence Russian-American negotiations on Ukraine.

At present, there is no leader capable of slowing down talks between Trump and Putin while exerting decisive influence on the war in Ukraine. Macron’s idea of sending troops was initially supported by several European nations. Currently, only the UK and the Baltic states remain convinced of the idea’s necessity and willing to deploy their soldiers. Other European allies are distancing themselves from the French leader’s proposal.

Three years of war, 1,000 days of conflict, thousands of lost lives, and growing—massive—concerns about Russia’s future actions. The year 2014 was the first warning. The invasion in 2022 was another blow. The events of early 2025 serve as a final call to action for the European community. If nothing changes now, for decades to come, Washington, Moscow, and Beijing will dictate the outcomes of conflicts.

Where is the Power?

France—and more precisely, Macron (who has long dreamt of becoming Europe’s security leader)—lacks the capability to counteract the changes affecting Ukraine. Now, once again, he may attempt to rise to the challenge and unify Europe. It is undeniable that Europe will bear the primary consequences of the conflict. Despite being a nuclear power, France is unable to provide substantial aid to Ukraine. There is support, training, and arms deliveries, but it remains insufficient.

President Macron has two years left in office and will strive to leave behind a legacy. The question is: in what state will he leave Europe when he steps back? France has one last chance to demonstrate its greatness. Paris’s strength is either ending now or, in truth, never truly began in the 21st century.

”L’avenir, tu n’as point à le prévoir mais à le permettre.” („You do not have to foresee the future, but to enable it.”)— Antoine de Saint-Exupéry