France and Ukraine signed a security pact

Emmanuel Macron and Volodymyr Zelensky signed a security pact that provides for French military and civilian aid to Ukraine in its war against Russia. Earlier in the day, Ukraine concluded a similar agreement with Germany, which Chancellor Olaf Scholz declared a "historic step" by which Kiev receives support in the fight against Russian invaders.
Both agreements are part of Zelensky's drive to help his forces, which are struggling to hold off Russian attacks on the frontline town of Avdiivka, AFP reported.
The agreement includes a pledge of up to €3 billion in French aid for 2024, following €1.7 billion in 2022 and €2.1 billion last year.
The pact will run for 10 years and will in particular strengthen cooperation in the field of artillery.
The deal aims to help Ukraine "restore its territorial integrity within its internationally recognized borders" and prevent "any renewed Russian aggression."
The agreement should also help pave the way for Kiev's future EU and NATO integration.
"France confirms that a future membership of Ukraine would be a useful contribution to peace and stability in Europe," the agreement reads.
With the war in Ukraine about to enter its third year, Zelensky will make fresh requests for funding and armaments at the Munich Security Conference on February 17.
The Ukrainian president's European tour comes at a critical time as Ukraine faces increasing pressure on the eastern front due to ammunition shortages and new Russian attacks.
Meanwhile, the long-term future of billions of dollars in Western aid is in doubt as the biggest donor, the US, is in the midst of an election campaign.
A potential $60 billion military aid package has been stalled in Washington since last year because of arguments in Congress.
The EU also admitted it would only be able to deliver half of the one million artillery shells it promised to send by March.
Scholz stressed that the security pact signed in Berlin on February 16 shows that Germany "will not give up" its support for Ukraine. He also announced a new package of 1.1 billion euros for immediate military support./BGNES