France signals support for Ukraine's NATO membership, awaits US decision

The question of Ukraine's potential membership in NATO will largely depend on the stance of the new US administration, although France has expressed no opposition to Kyiv joining the military alliance.

French Defense Minister Sébastien Lecornu made this statement, Caliber.Az reports, citing French media.

Lecornu emphasized that France is "in principle not opposed" to Ukraine's entry into NATO. He also noted that during a meeting with US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin, Austin affirmed that both US Republicans and Democrats have a clear stance on supporting Ukraine.

The French minister further remarked that regardless of the outcome of the upcoming US presidential election, the new administration will prioritize China. 

"This raises questions about the distribution of NATO costs. Europeans must not deceive themselves here. The model where the American taxpayer funds the security of Romanian or Baltic citizens is fading into the past. I expect much from the new European Commission, particularly in terms of removing obstacles that burden [Europe's] defence industry," Lecornu stated.

On October 18, it was revealed that France is in talks with its partners, insisting on the immediate invitation of Ukraine to NATO. This was confirmed by Minister for Europe Benjamin Haddad. Additionally, Le Monde reported that the White House no longer has objections to Ukraine's NATO membership.

By Khagan Isayev