An associate of Putin’s friend, Marine Le Pen, assures unwavering support for Kyiv.
Jordan Bardella, head of the “National Rally”, made an unexpected statement of support for Ukraine. During the debate, he promised that his party would not allow Ukraine to be absorbed by “Russian imperialism.”
Bardella emphasized that his position on the conflict remains unchanged – to support Ukraine while avoiding escalation with the Kremlin. However, he noted that he would not send French soldiers to Ukraine if he wins the election.
This statement was made against the backdrop of the upcoming parliamentary elections. President Emmanuel Macron dissolved parliament after his party’s defeat in the European Parliament elections. The first round of new elections will be held on June 30.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed hope for continued support from the new French government. Macron earlier assured that France would continue to help Ukraine.
The shift in the National Union’s rhetoric on the Ukrainian issue is notable given past allegations of ties between some party members and the Kremlin. For example, the party’s security adviser is suspected of working for Russian agents.
