French President Emmanuel Macron says in an address to the French people that “helping Ukraine defend itself…

French President Emmanuel Macron says in an address to the French people that “helping Ukraine defend itself means protecting France and the French”. According to him, at the meetings in Dublin European leaders showed unity around two priorities: helping Ukraine get through the winter and working with it towards a just and lasting peace.

Macron says Vladimir Putin does not want to negotiate and is betting on strikes against civilians and Ukraine’s energy system. He calls for financial support to be maintained and describes attempts to ration Ukraine’s means as “the spirit of defeat”. According to him, 42 countries approved a French-initiated declaration on the principles of European security, and the Coalition of the Willing will meet in Berlin on Thursday.