Macron avoids committing to France’s post-2027 support for Ukraine, says he hopes the war ends before his term expires

French President Emmanuel Macron has expressed hope that the war in Ukraine will end before 2027, the year he leaves office. However, he declined to say whether France will continue to support Kyiv after his departure from the Élysée Palace, according to Le Figaro.

“I hope peace will be achieved before 2027. I believe recent months have been marked by decisions that represent genuine turning points in the war,” Macron said, sidestepping a direct answer on long-term French support.

He pointed to sanctions against Russia — including those introduced by the United States — as measures that have significantly shaped the trajectory of the conflict. Macron reiterated that he remains “fully determined” to pursue peace through diplomatic means.

His comments follow Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s visit to Paris on 17 November, where the two leaders signed what they described as a “historic agreement”. It includes the delivery of military aircraft, enhanced air defence cooperation and the planned transfer of 100 Rafale fighter jets to Kyiv.

The deal sparked strong criticism in Moscow, where officials dismissed the agreement as “Macron’s madness,” accusing France of escalating tensions.

Analysts say Macron’s reluctance to comment on France’s stance after 2027 leaves open important questions about the country’s future foreign policy orientation. With the war ongoing and international pressure mounting, the durability of Western support is a central issue.

As Macron focuses on the hope for peace during the remainder of his mandate, Europe continues to balance military assistance, diplomatic efforts and its own political uncertainties in a rapidly changing geopolitical landscape.