Paris

French President Emmanuel Macron on Tuesday reiterated France’s unwavering support for Ukraine, marking four years since Russia launched its full-scale invasion, which he described as a “war of aggression chosen by Russia.”

In a post on X, Macron recalled that four years ago Europe woke to the sound of Russian bombs falling on Ukraine, calling the conflict a blatant violation of international law, national sovereignty and human life. He said the war had seen cities struck, schools and hospitals destroyed, and energy infrastructure systematically targeted to plunge families into fear and hardship.

Four years ago, Europe awoke to the sound of Russian bombs falling on Ukraine.

Four years of a war of aggression chosen by Russia, in blatant defiance of international law, of a people’s sovereignty, and of human life.

Four years of cities struck,…

— Emmanuel Macron (@EmmanuelMacron) February 24, 2026

The French President said the conflict had claimed the lives of around 15,000 Ukrainian civilians and condemned what he described as widespread violence, including rape, torture, war crimes and terror, along with the deportation of thousands of Ukrainian children.

“Four years of shattered lives. And yet, for four years, Ukraine has held firm and resisted,” Macron said, adding that Moscow had failed to achieve its strategic objectives.

He claimed that despite initial promises by the Kremlin to conquer Ukraine within days, only about one per cent of Ukrainian territory has been taken since the front stabilised in November 2022, noting that Ukrainian forces even regained ground last month.

Highlighting the human cost for Russia, Macron said more than 1.2 million Russian soldiers had been killed or wounded, describing it as the highest number of Russian combat casualties since the Second World War. He also alleged that Russia was recruiting fighters from the African continent, often without prior military training.

Calling the conflict a “triple failure” for Russia — military, economic and strategic — Macron said the war had strengthened NATO and reinforced European unity.

“Because Ukraine is the first line of defence of our continent, France and Europe stand resolutely by its side,” he said.

Macron noted that Europe has mobilised around EUR 170 billion in financial, military, humanitarian and energy assistance for Ukraine, and referred to a EUR 90 billion loan agreed at the December European Council to provide Kyiv with predictable funding over the next two years.

“There is no justification for calling this into question. We must now deliver on it,” he said, adding that equipment and ammunition deliveries, training programmes, strengthened air defences and counter-drone capabilities would continue.

He also said sanctions against Russia and action against its so-called “shadow fleet” would be maintained.

Stressing that peace cannot exist without security, Macron said France and its partners would continue engagement within the Coalition of the Willing, referring to coordination among Ukraine’s allies.

Recalling a meeting in Paris on January 6, Macron said strong convergence had been achieved with the United States on future security guarantees for Ukraine, with further discussions planned to ensure European interests are reflected in shaping the continent’s security architecture.

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Addressing the Ukrainian people, Macron said France stood with them “with deep emotion,” adding, “We are, and will remain, by Ukraine’s side.”