Macron: France provides two-thirds of intelligence for Ukraine
Photo: French President Emmanuel Macron (Getty Images)
President of France Emmanuel Macron stated that France provides Ukraine with two-thirds of its intelligence, effectively replacing the United States in this regard, Macron made this statement during a speech to the military at the Istres-Le Tubé base.
According to Macron, the changes began after the United States suspended intelligence sharing with Ukraine in March 2025 as part of political arrangements regarding peace negotiations with Russia.
Since then, Europe has taken on a key role in supporting Kyiv, including through a coalition of more than 30 countries providing Ukraine with financial and technical assistance.
"If a year ago Ukraine was highly dependent on American intelligence, today two-thirds of the information comes from France," Macron said in his address to the French military.
According to Macron, French services coordinate and provide the Ukrainian armed forces with the intelligence needed to plan strike operations and defense.
"The message we are sending to our Ukrainian partners, to other Europeans, and to the world is that we are ready. We are ready to support these resistance efforts. We are ready to deter new aggressions or to ensure peace on our land," added the President of France.
EN DIRECT Vœux aux armées du Président @EmmanuelMacron depuis la base aérienne 125 d’Istres. https://t.co/ZkAIC4ECAZ
— Élysée (@Elysee) January 15, 2026
France’s Ministry of the Armed Forces did not comment on Macron’s statements but confirmed that a significant portion of the data provided is of a technical nature and does not depend on the United States. Former French defense minister Sébastien Lecornu has emphasized that France’s own intelligence capabilities are able to compensate for a partial suspension of US support, ensuring that Ukraine receives the necessary operational information.
What intelligence the United States provides
In March 2025, the United States temporarily limited the supply of military assistance and intelligence to Ukraine. The Pentagon continued to share data necessary for Ukraine’s defense but reduced access to information that the Armed Forces of Ukraine could use for offensive operations.
In particular, US intelligence enables Ukraine to timely track flights of Russian bombers, warn of ballistic threats, adjust the operation of HIMARS systems, and carry out strikes on targets deep inside Russian territory.
Support from France
On November 17, Ukraine and France signed a declaration of intent on cooperation in the procurement of defense equipment, covering aircraft, drones, and air defense systems.
According to Macron, Ukraine will be the first among all customer countries to receive the advanced SAMP/T air defense system, which is still under development. It is also known that under the agreement, Ukraine plans to purchase around one hundred French Rafale fighter jets produced by Dassault Aviation.
