Paris Plans to Support Ukraine's NATO Membership for the First Time

France is poised to support Ukraine's aspirations to join NATO for the first time in history, reports Le Monde. The possibility of Kyiv joining the Atlantic Alliance was discussed during a meeting of the Defense Council held at the Élysée Palace. Until now, Paris had ruled out such a scenario.

“This French initiative aims to increase pressure on Russia, while the Ukrainian counteroffensive is facing difficulties,” claims Le Monde, citing sources within the French government.

“Paris is considering supporting Ukraine's NATO membership prospect to influence the conflict and attempt to bring Moscow to the negotiating table with Kyiv. This is the approach currently favored by France,” the media notes.