Ambassador of France to North Macedonia, his Excellency Mr. Cyrille Baumgatner, conference “Ukraine: Two years of heroism” (26 February 2024).

“Anniversaries are usually moments of joy, but this one is marked by gravity.

It is two years since Ukraine was outraged in an unjustified war of aggression. A war that has caused suffering, destruction and crimes of various kinds, that are an insult to humanity and justice, and that must not go unpunished.

For two years now, an entire people has been resisting behind its leaders. This resistance is admirable. It finds its strength, in courage and a sense of justice. We admire the courage of the Ukrainian people, and their leaders.

In the face of this war of aggression, we do strongly support Ukraine.And we will support Ukraine, for as long as this war lasts. Like the Ukrainians, with the Ukrainians, we believe that we cannot let the Russian regime win this war. We must defeat this war of aggression.

First and foremost, for Ukraine itself. For the respect of its independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity. For the freedom of its people. For the justice to which they are entitled.

It is about Ukraine. But it’s not only about Ukraine. If we let the Russian regime do what it wants here, what would happen elsewhere? What would be understood then, is that we would tolerate the use of force as a means of settling disputes.Our overall security environment, for everyone and everywhere, would be degraded.

So yes, we will continue to support Ukraine.   And we must be aware of the setbacks Russia has suffered:

– the extension of NATO, the strengthening of the Transatlantic link, the opening of accession negotiations with the EU – these are all setbacks for Russia.

– The human losses suffered by the Russian army, its military failures in relation to its initial war aims, but also in Crimea and in the Black Sea, the impact of sanctions which, while not total, is nonetheless real, the marginalisation in international organisations. All this has a cost, and a heavy one, for Russia.

One day this war will come to an end. We all hope that this day comes as soon as possible, but that day, will be for a just peace. It will be up to Ukraine to tell us that that day has arrived. We welcome Ukraine’s efforts to establish the principles of a just and lasting peace, while, on the Russian side, we see no willingness to negotiate.

So, Madam Ambassador, Ukraine can count on my country’s resolute support, for as long as necessary.

– A few days ago in Paris, our two Presidents signed a security cooperation agreement, which contains concrete commitments for the next ten years. For 2024 alone, we have pledged up to 3 billion in additional military aid.

– At the same time, France will remain firmly committed to the Atlantic Alliance, playing its full part in strengthening the position of deterrence and defence, mainly by being the framework nation in Romania.

– And of course, we want to remain a driving force within the European Union, which itself has shown its determination, over the long term, by agreeing to a new €50 billion facility. Europe must also continue to build up its strategic autonomy, as a complement to NATO in the military sphere, so that we can face better the challenges of the new world we have entered.

Before concluding, I would like to stress that we are speaking here in a country that has demonstrated its total commitment from the outset over the past two years. This Macedonian determination, over the long term, is a precious asset. This country, like Ukraine, is in the process of joining the European Union. It is not at war, but it has been a candidate for much longer. The European Union will have to reform itself in the meantime, but it is strong enough to integrate them all, and as quickly as possible. The sooner the better. The only condition for that, is that the expected reforms, which are demanding for everyone, are carried out.

Thank you for your attention.”