France to deliver ‘light tanks’ to Ukraine – POLITICO

PARIS — France will deliver “light” battle tanks to Ukraine, President Emmanuel Macron’s office announced Wednesday, which would make it the first country to send such Western-designed armored fighting vehicles to the wartorn country.

The Elysée said after a phone call between Macron and his Ukrainian counterpart Volodymyr Zelenskyy that France will send AMX-10 RC armored fighting vehicles, which Paris has been gradually replacing with new Jaguar battle tanks.

Several countries have already sent Soviet-era tanks to Ukraine. Both France and Germany have been under pressure to send tanks to Ukraine, but had refused to give in to Kyiv’s requests.

An adviser to France’s Minister of the Armed Forces Sébastien Lecornu said Wednesday’s decision was made to help Ukraine prepare for “a possible Russian offensive” in the spring.

“Ukraine is at a tipping point now at the frontline … Russia is trying to terrorize the population with its drone attacks that sometimes reach as far as Kyiv, but Ukraine could also start a counter-offensive,” he said.

Zelenskyy thanked Macron on Twitter, saying the two leaders had “a long and detailed conversation” and that the French president’s “leadership brings our victory closer.”

However, Ukraine’s requests for more arms from allies have still not been fully satisfied: In December, Kyiv formally asked for another model of tank, the Leclerc — France’s main battle tank — rather than AMX-10 light tanks, which are being phased out.

According to the French Armed Forces ministry adviser, the upkeep of France’s defense capacities has remained “a red line” for Macron.

France also did not specify how many vehicles it will send. The French and Ukrainian defense ministries are expected to further discuss the equipment delivery soon.