Key facts
- Ukraine provides security and battlefield experience to Europe.
- French defense industries benefit from cooperation and co-production with Ukraine.
- The Franco-Italian air defense system SAMP/T has been improved through cooperation with Ukraine.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy responded to French far-right presidential hopeful Marine Le Pen's pledge to cut financial aid by asserting that Europe is benefiting from Ukraine's ongoing conflict. Zelenskyy told the Financial Times that Ukraine provides security and valuable battlefield experience, which he believes is a worthwhile exchange for the aid received. He suggested that French defense industries are gaining from cooperation and co-production of technologies, citing improvements to the Franco-Italian air defense system SAMP/T as an example of this mutual benefit. Le Pen, the National Rally candidate, has stated she would halt financial aid if elected president next year, though she indicated France could continue military training and non-financial assistance.