Zelenskyy tells Le Pen: Ukraine gives back security for aid

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has responded to French far-right presidential candidate Marine Le Pen's pledge to cut financial aid, arguing that Europe benefits from Ukraine's battlefield experience and that Ukraine "gives back" security in return. Zelenskyy told the Financial Times that Le Pen is "not deeply acquainted with some details," emphasizing that the price of support is lower than human lives. He highlighted a "win-win" relationship, noting that European armed forces and defense industries, including France's, gain from Ukraine's combat experience. Le Pen, who leads polls for next year's French election, has said she would stop financial aid but continue military training and non-financial assistance. Zelenskyy cited the Franco-Italian SAMP/T air defense system as an example of cooperation, adding he wouldn't vote for her "because I'm Ukrainian."