In a bid to bolster Ukraine's defense capabilities against Russia's aggressive actions, France has announced plans to provide 78 Caesar howitzers along with an increased supply of shells. Defense Minister Sébastien Lecornu revealed this development during a press conference, stating that France, Ukraine, and Denmark had reached an agreement to finance the self-propelled 155 mm howitzers, facilitating their swift delivery.

Lecornu further disclosed that France aims to deliver 80,000 shells for 155 mm guns to Ukraine this year, a significant increase from the 30,000 already supplied since the commencement of the war on February 24, 2022. Recognizing the urgent need for ammunition, France is also collaborating with the Czech Republic to identify available stocks of gunpowder and ammunition from non-European Union countries. The Czech Republic has initiated a plan to support Ukraine by procuring 800,000 artillery shells, the first of which are expected to arrive no later than June.

This Franco-Ukrainian-Danish initiative has garnered support from at least 18 countries, underscoring the growing international concern over the Russian invasion. Germany, France, and Poland, in particular, have pledged to increase their military support for Ukraine, including the procurement of additional weapons and an upscaling of military equipment production.

Moreover, Defense Minister Lecornu emphasized the importance of European countries reducing their reliance on the United States for security matters, particularly in light of potential geopolitical shifts. Lecornu anticipates this issue to become a key topic in the upcoming European Parliament election in June. He argued that it is unfair for U.S. taxpayers to bear a significant portion of Europe's security burden.

These developments come amidst concerns in Europe regarding the potential implications of a return to the White House by former President Donald Trump, who previously made statements suggesting hesitancy in defending allies in the face of a Russian attack. Even if incumbent President Joe Biden remains in office, European Union leaders fear that his administration's focus on countering China's assertiveness in Asia may neglect European security needs. Consequently, efforts to secure additional funding for Ukraine's military arsenal from the United States have encountered obstacles in Congress.

France's commitment to delivering howitzers and increasing ammunition supply to Ukraine represents a significant step in supporting Ukraine's fight against the full-scale Russian invasion. With the backing of multiple countries, Ukraine can now acquire the necessary resources to defend its sovereignty as it battles Russian aggression.