Emmanuel Macron has declared France is prepared to fight “even at the cost of our blood” as Europe accelerates its military build-up amid growing fears over Russia and the future of the war in Ukraine.
The French President delivered the stark warning during an address to the armed forces in Paris as world leaders gathered for the latest summit of the Coalition of the Willing, the UK and France-led alliance coordinating long-term military support for Kyiv.
In one of his strongest speeches yet, Mr Macron insisted peace remained Europe’s objective but warned that freedom and justice could only be preserved through strength and sacrifice.
“The message we send to the world is this: Yes, peace is our goal. Yes, we cherish freedom and justice. And yes, we stand ready to fight to defend them always, even at the cost of our blood if necessary,” he declared.
Paying tribute to French troops killed and wounded in service, he added: “This price of blood was paid by our French soldiers, who died for France, wounded in body or soul. I want to reiterate the nation’s respect for its soldiers who died for France. Our affection goes out to the bereaved families, our wounded and all their families.”
The speech was accompanied by a major defence spending announcement, with Mr Macron unveiling an additional €36 billion (£31bn) for France’s armed forces between 2026 and 2030.
The funding will be used to expand ammunition stockpiles, improve operational readiness and further strengthen France’s military capabilities as Europe embarks on its biggest rearmament programme in decades.
Mr Macron also issued a warning against the rise of nationalism, arguing that Europe must remain united if it is to deter future aggression.
“Wherever nationalism is pandered to, in France or elsewhere, our history is misunderstood,” he said.
“Patriotism, yes; nationalism, never.
And at a time when Europe is rearming, consider that accumulating capabilities and a sense of history separately is absurd.
“We must build as Europeans and maintain our own specificities, our decision-making processes, our intervention forces, our credibility. But let us not allow history to repeat itself.”
The Paris summit is focused on coordinating continued military and financial backing for Ukraine, alongside discussions over the European Union’s proposed 21st package of sanctions against Russia.
Britain and France have emerged as the driving forces behind the Coalition of the Willing, which was established to maintain support for Kyiv as Russia’s invasion continues.
The gathering is also expected to reinforce commitments to Ukraine’s long-term security and military resilience.
Sir Keir Starmer is attending the summit in what is expected to be his final week as Prime Minister, with the outgoing premier continuing to work closely alongside Mr Macron on European defence and Ukraine policy.
The meeting comes as Britain and the European Union jointly announced fresh sanctions targeting alleged Russian-linked hackers, while UK cybersecurity officials warned critical national infrastructure, businesses and public services to bolster their digital defences against increasing cyber threats from Moscow.
With Europe ramping up defence spending, tightening sanctions and pledging continued support for Kyiv, Mr Macron’s declaration that France is willing to fight “even at the cost of our blood” underlines the increasingly hardline tone being adopted by Western leaders as the conflict enters another critical phase.
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