European leaders and other Western officials gather in Paris in show of unity with Ukraine

Подробнее о видео

(26 Feb 2024)
RESTRICTION SUMMARY:

ASSOCIATED PRESS
Paris, France - 26 February 2024
1. French President Emmanuel Macron walking into meeting
2. SOUNDBITE (French) Emmanuel Macron, French President:
"And if we are all gathered here, it is because we are convinced, from the first day of this war, that what is at stake in Ukraine is not only crucial for Ukraine but also for our collective security and the defense of an international order based on law."
++BLACK FRAMES++
3. SOUNDBITE (French) Emmanuel Macron, French President:
"The purpose of this afternoon's exchange is, on one hand, obviously to share all the relevant elements for characterizing the situation we are experiencing, to assess nationally and collectively how we can do more. More in terms of financial support, more in military assistance, more in providing capabilities, and also in continuing bilateral agreements, as several of us have already signed recently with regard to and with Ukraine."
++BLACK FRAMES++
4. SOUNDBITE (France) Emmanuel Macron, French President:
"At this moment as we speak, we must also congratulate some of our colleagues as the vote is taking place in the Hungarian parliament, allowing Sweden – and I congratulate the minister of foreign affairs representing his prime minister and country here – allowing Sweden to join NATO. In two years, both Sweden and Finland have joined our organization. Congratulations to your country."
++BLACK FRAMES++
5. SOUNDBITE (French) Emmanuel Macron, French President:
"You could say that the consensus, the collective analysis was that within a few years, we had to get ready for Russia to attack all 10 countries. And so very clearly, lucidity is there and the collective observation is that, basically, our security is at stake today."
STORYLINE:
French President Emmanuel Macron opened a gathering of more than 20 European leaders and other Western officials in Paris on Monday in a show of unity for Ukraine, signaling to Russia that their support for Kyiv would not waver as the full-scale invasion grinds into a third year.

"If we are all gathered here, it is because we are convinced, from the first day of this war, that what is at stake in Ukraine is not only crucial for Ukraine but also for our collective security and the defense of an international order based on law, " he told the conference.

Macron said the aim of the conference was to talk about the situation and discuss how to do more.

"More in terms of financial support, more in military assistance, more in providing capabilities, and also in continuing bilateral agreements, as several of us have already signed recently with regard to and with Ukraine."

A top French official said the conference isn't aimed at making new commitments in terms of weapon deliveries and financial aid, but rather at better coordinating support for Kyiv and ensuring that aid promises are kept.

The official spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss the conference details and goals.

Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is expected to attend via videoconference, Macron's office said.

The more than 20 European heads of state and government include German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and Polish President Andrzej Duda.

The United States will be represented by its top diplomat for Europe, James O’Brien, and the U.K. by Foreign Secretary David Cameron.

European nations are worried the U.S. will dial back support as aid for Kyiv is teetering in Congress.

They also have growing concerns that former U.S. President Donald Trump might return to the White House and allow Russia to expand its aggression on the continent.

Find out more about AP Archive:
Twitter:
Facebook: ​​
Instagram:


You can license this story through AP Archive: