Le Pen offers Zelenskyy debate after vowing to cut French aid to Ukraine
Marine Le Pen, the French far-right presidential candidate, has offered to debate Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Ukraine after vowing to end French financial aid to Kyiv, a stance that has ignited a political firestorm in the 2027 campaign. Zelenskyy responded by saying Le Pen "does not fully grasp certain details" of Franco-Ukrainian military cooperation, arguing the partnership is a "win-win" that lets France test weapons like SAMP/T systems in real combat. Incumbent President Emmanuel Macron reiterated France's support, while rivals Gabriel Attal, Raphaël Glucksmann, and Édouard Philippe condemned Le Pen's position as capitulation or betrayal. Le Pen claims France spends €6 billion annually on Ukraine and can no longer afford it, though she would maintain aid for six months after taking office. The Kiel Institute reports France has committed €27 billion since 2022, while Germany remains Europe's largest contributor with over €50 billion pledged.