France to be first nation to donate Western armored vehicles to Ukraine

January 5, 2023

On Wednesday, French President Emmanuel Macron's office announced that France would be shipping "light tanks" to Ukraine, which would make it the first to provide Western to Ukraine.

The announcement came following a virtual meeting between Macron and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.



, the French, explained it is "possible...[there will be] a Russian offensive" in the spring.

"Ukraine is at a tipping point now at the frontline...Russia is trying to terrorize the population with its drone attacks that sometimes reach as far as Kyiv, but Ukraine could also start a counter-offensive," he continued.

During the Russian invasion of Ukraine, some European nations have supplied Ukraine with Soviet tanks from their arsenals; however, France denied Ukraine's December request for the battle tank, as did Germany regarding its tanks.

Under this agreement, France will deliver an as-of-yet unspecified amount of tanks, which it has been deprecating in favor of the  model.

Despite Germany's prior refusal of Ukraine's ask, German Foreign Minister said Wednesday that the West should provide "more weapons" to Ukraine.

Zelenskyy tweeted that he had "a long and detailed conversation" with Macron and that "[Macron's] leadership brings our victory closer."