France Marks National Day with Strong Show of Support for Ukraine

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Paris: France celebrated Bastille Day with a military parade on Monday, putting Ukraine at the heart of the traditional national day celebrations and demonstrating European unity as the war with Russia entered its fifth year.

The usual parade along the Champs-Élysées began with approximately 500 troops from the ‘Coalition of the Willing’, a group of nations supporting Ukraine — as well as Ukrainian soldiers and military officers from numerous European partners. Ukrainian pilots practicing aboard French Mirage fighter jets also participated in the aerial display.

French President Emmanuel Macron, who is supposed to stage his final Bastille Day parade as president, welcomed Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and European leaders. Following a summit in Paris, ally states promised to bolster Ukraine's air defence capabilities and expand military cooperation.

More than 7,500 troops, hundreds of military vehicles, and planes took part in the parade, which French officials portrayed as a symbol of Europe's increased emphasis on collective security in the light of Russia's ongoing invasion of Ukraine. Macron stated that Europe must be prepared to protect its values and security in the face of mounting geopolitical challenges.

Russia criticised the demonstration, labelling the pro-Kyiv coalition as unfriendly, while France insisted that the procession demonstrated solidarity with Ukraine and Europe's commitment to regional stability.