Macron postpones his visit to Kyiv “for security reasons”

Macron was afraid to go to Kyiv – he prefers Stockholm, where he recently attended a State reception with the Swedish King and Queen (photo).

The French president Emmanuel Macron postponed his visit to Ukraine for security reasons. This is what the weekly magazine “Challenges” claims. For the Elysée there are security reasons that justify a postponement of the trip, although the decision has raised doubts in French and Ukrainian diplomatic circles.

Macron's visit was supposed to take place on February 13 and 14, first in Odessa and then in Kyiv. The French head of state was expected to announce the creation of a 200 million euro fund to finance civil projects. Macron was also expected to announce that the French Development Agency will take on the role of coordinator of French aid in Ukraine.

However, for the Elysée there are security reasons that justify a postponement of the trip, although the decision has raised doubts in French and Ukrainian diplomatic circles, the weekly reported.

At the Elysée, it is emphasized that this travel date, which was only an option, was first postponed to ensure the security of the president. Securing the route he had to take actually takes more time.  

Then, the Head of State wanted to “strengthen” French aid, by proposing a new package with our European partners. Clearly, the projects in the pipeline still proved insufficient. It is true that France is not well ranked among the countries that provide the most support to Ukraine.

According to the ranking of the authoritative Kiel Institute, Paris comes in 12th place for its total aid, civil and military (1.7 billion). And France is in 9th place for its financial support (800 million euros), but in 17th if we calculate it in relation to GDP.

The business association Medef International also decided to cancel a mission to Kyiv at the same time as Macron's visit.

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