PARIS — France has announced its continued commitment to providing military intelligence to Ukraine, despite the recent decision by the United States to halt its intelligence sharing with Kyiv. French Defense Minister Sebastien Lecornu emphasized France’s independent intelligence policy on Thursday.
The United States revealed on Wednesday that it has temporarily paused the exchange of intelligence with Ukraine. This decision breaks a crucial chain of information that has been instrumental for Ukraine in monitoring Russian troop movements and targeting amidst ongoing conflicts. However, officials from the Trump administration have suggested that the suspension might be brief, as discussions between Washington and Kyiv have been positive.
American intelligence plays a crucial role in assisting Ukraine’s defense strategies by tracking Russian movements and identifying potential targets.
In a broadcast on France Inter radio, Lecornu affirmed that France would maintain its intelligence-sharing relations with Ukraine. He stated, “Our intelligence is sovereign. We have intelligence that we allow Ukraine to benefit from.” His office later clarified that this exchange is not new but rather a persistent effort to support Ukraine.
In response to the U.S. decision to halt all military aid, Lecornu mentioned that French President Emmanuel Macron has instructed him to expedite France’s aid packages to fill the gap left by the U.S. withdrawal. Lecornu noted that due to these recent developments, shipments bound for Ukraine departing from Poland have been paused. However, he remarked that “Ukrainians, unfortunately, have learned to fight this war for three years now and know how to stockpile,” indicating Ukraine’s resilience and adaptability in the face of ongoing challenges.
