Marine Le Pen offers to debate Ukraine aid with Zelenskyy but says France cannot afford it
French far-right politician Marine Le Pen has said she would be willing to travel to Ukraine to discuss French assistance with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, while reiterating her opposition to continued financial support for Kyiv.
Speaking to French broadcaster CNews, Le Pen responded to criticism from Zelenskyy, who had questioned her understanding of the benefits France receives from defense cooperation with Ukraine.
"I have nothing against Mr. Zelenskyy personally, and if he wishes us to discuss this, I would gladly come to Ukraine," Le Pen said.
However, she insisted that France could no longer afford its current level of assistance.
"We no longer have the financial means to provide aid that has so far cost us €6 billion a year," she said.
The €6 billion annual figure is Le Pen's claim and was not independently verified.
Zelenskyy had previously argued that French defense companies benefit from Ukraine's battlefield experience, making military cooperation advantageous to both countries.
Le Pen has repeatedly argued that France should end financial assistance to Ukraine, although she has said Paris could continue training Ukrainian troops and providing military equipment.
No invitation from Zelenskyy or plans for a meeting have been announced.
- Share: