Marine Le Pen vows to end French aid to Ukraine if elected president
French politician Marine Le Pen (photo: Getty Images)
French far-right presidential candidate Marine Le Pen continues to make promises about cutting spending on Ukraine. She also opposes Ukraine's accession to the European Union, according to the Financial Times.
Le Pen plans to cut spending on Ukraine
Marine Le Pen told the Financial Times that if elected president of France, she would be ready for a "trial of strength" in relations with the European Union. The politician plans to work toward significantly reducing the EU's budget and powers.
She also questioned the legitimacy of European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. Le Pen believes that the head of the European Commission "no longer has the confidence of many governments."
The leader of France's right-wing populist National Rally party expressed doubts about whether Paris would continue to support EU funding for Ukraine.
The media outlet notes that under the EU's €90 billion loan program for Ukraine's military and budgetary needs, €45 billion is scheduled to be allocated in 2027. However, the future of further funding for Kyiv remains uncertain.
European Commission officials believe that Ukraine will need around €70 billion in additional funding in 2027.
Marine Le Pen has already promised to end bilateral aid to Ukraine (except for certain operational support and training for Ukrainian troops). She stated that France can no longer afford it.
"The honest thing to do with Mr Zelenskyy is to tell him, to warn him in fact that, listen, we can’t do more, we can’t manage more," she said.
Le Pen recalled that Ukraine had already received an €18 billion loan from France (as part of the EU's €90 billion package — ed.).
The draft seven-year EU budget includes a special funding mechanism for Ukraine worth up to €100 billion. However, Le Pen aims to derail any budget agreement by blocking half of France's contribution.
Opposed to Ukraine's EU membership
Le Pen also reaffirmed her strong opposition to Ukraine joining the EU. She described it as tantamount to "committing hara-kiri," which would lead to a loss of sovereignty and "absolutely huge economic losses" for France.
At the same time, the politician did not explicitly name Russia as the main threat to European security.
"You know I'm not in Mr Putin's head and I don't know Mr Putin's plans," she said.
Le Pen does not intend to continue financial support for Ukraine at its previous level if she becomes president of France.
In addition, the controversial French politician announced that she would run for president in 2027. However, she will first appeal the court's ruling.
