Macron has also pledged more humanitarian and financial support to Ukraine. France will also train Ukrainian soldiers. “A lot of money in Macron’s pocket,” says De Vries. “The intentions of Macron and France are clear: the country will continue to support Ukraine as long as necessary. This is the line in most European countries at the moment.’
Prior to his lightning visit to Paris, Zelensky also visited Germany, where German Chancellor Olaf Scholz promised Germany’s largest arms package to date. The support package comprises €2.7 billion and includes thirty Leopard 1 tanks and various anti-aircraft systems. “Zelenski goes home with a full plane,” says De Vries.
Support shifts
De Vries sees support from France and Germany changing. “It seems that acceleration has begun. France and Germany were quite hesitant about their military support, especially early in the war. That’s changed a lot lately.’
It was still too early for commitments on F16s. “We haven’t heard any final commitments yet. Germany and France do not want to talk about it until the Ukrainian pilots have yet been trained.”
However, De Vries sees a growing willingness among other countries, including the Netherlands, to also supply fighter jets to Ukraine. ‘It’s an escalator, that line is moving further and further. Those F16s will no doubt be promised in the coming months.
Sanctions
While Zelensky continues his European tour, Brussels is working on a new, eleventh package of sanctions for Russia. For the first time, this package will also punish other countries and companies that try to circumvent the sanctions. ‘It also contains new names of Russian people and companies who can no longer do business with the European Union. It probably won’t go far enough for Zelensky.’
Charlemagne Prize
Zelensky concluded his visit to Germany on Sunday afternoon in Aachen, where he was awarded the Charlemagne Prize. The Charlemagne Prize has been awarded every year since 1950 to people committed to European unity. “It is the most important prize in Europe for peace and unification,” says De Vries.
“The Pope had already understood this, just like the then Queen Beatrice and a number of French presidents. It is a prestigious award which shows that Europe supports Ukraine. With a price, but last weekend also with military material ».