The resignation of the third French government in a year will not have a critical impact on support for Ukraine, Volodymyr Kogutyak, UWC Vice President for Western Europe and Association of Ukrainians in France (AUF) Vice President, told the UWC.
“Actual support for Ukraine in France remains very strong,” Kogutyak said.
He said that when the previous government folded in December 2024, “the ministers of defense, foreign affairs, and European affairs remained in office.”
“These ministries, and their stability, are extremely important for us,” Kogutyak said.
However, he warned that far-right and far-left forces in France are trying to use the political crisis to pressure the government and shift the country’s foreign policy, including reducing support for Ukraine.
“France is currently in a politically unstable situation. Far-right and far-left forces are attempting not only to topple the government but also to challenge the president [Emmanuel Macron]. And they are doing this not only over social or financial issues but also to weaken support for Ukraine during Russia’s war,” Kogutyak added.
He also stressed that France leads several European and global coalitions that support Ukraine, including a “Coalition of the Willing” that is considering sending a military contingent to Ukraine.
“That is why it is extremely important for Kyiv that France maintains stability in key ministries and continues to play a leading role in international efforts to support Ukraine,” he said.
For context, on Sept. 8, the French parliament passed a vote of no confidence in Prime Minister François Bayrou’s government, prompting the prime minister and the entire cabinet to resign.
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