Macron asks for more support for Ukraine: Belgian PM De Croo joins call for action
French president Emmanuel Macron has called for more arms and resources for Ukraine at the start of an aid conference in Paris. Belgian prime minister Alexander De Croo is also attending to "accelerate and increase our support for Ukraine", he said on X.
"Today, the general observation is that the security of all of us is at stake," Macron told 20 heads of state and government in Paris on Monday evening. Russia's actions, both politically and on the front line, were getting tougher, he said, alluding to new Russian attacks in Ukraine. "Russia must not win the war," he said.
"Today, the general observation is that the security of all of us is at stake. (...) Russia must not win the war"
Macron argued that the situation required a clear decision, stressing that aid to Ukraine must be stepped up with money and weapons. "We guarantee our security today and tomorrow," he said. But he also noted that no war is being waged with the Russian people.
Belgian support
De Croo said on X that he was in Paris to "accelerate and increase our support for Ukraine". He said Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky and the Ukrainian people were "fighting for our freedom". "We will provide more so you can win this war of aggression against Russia," he said.
Zelensky took part in the event via videoconference. Several countries have sent ministers to the meeting. The conference is less about new commitments on arms supplies than about making the military aid already pledged more effective. This includes training Ukrainian soldiers and cyberdefence.
French president Emmanuel Macron delivers a speech to open the conference in support of Ukraine © PHOTO GONZALO FUENTES / POOL / AFP
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