🧵 The President of the French National Assembly just delivered a message on behalf of President Macron on the war in #Ukraine. A thread on this rare statement (last time a 🇫🇷 President used this procedure was in 2002): 
"In view of the developments in Ukraine, I wanted to address the Parliament today. You will understand that my first thought in these tragic hours is for the Ukrainian people and authorities."
"I salute their courage in resisting Russia's massive military offensives and their determination to defend their sovereignty and freedom."
"Nothing has been or will be spared to help them. We owe them support and solidarity. All measures are also being taken to ensure the protection of our compatriots in Ukraine."
"The nation, through me, salutes those who continue to ensure, despite the danger, our diplomatic representation in Kyiv and support to Ukraine."
"The current situation is the result of Russia's decision to invade Ukraine. The sequence of events in recent weeks is clear and unmistakable."
"Together with our European partners and allies, we had anticipated this fateful possibility of a war on the continent. We did everything possible to avoid escalation and worked to resolve the crisis through dialogue."
"Today we see that Russia is choosing confrontation. Russia is violating its international commitments and the cardinal principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity."
"As a permanent member of the UNSC and as president of the EU Council, France has a threefold duty:
1/ "Protecting the fundamental principles of peace and collective security by firmly sanctioning their violation.
1/ "Protecting the fundamental principles of peace and collective security by firmly sanctioning their violation.
2/ "Acting in solidarity and support of the Ukrainian people and authorities. We will therefore provide an additional support of 300 million euros. We are also in contact with the Ukrainian authorities to provide them with the defensive equipment they need."
3/ "Protect our security, our sovereignty and our democracies. We will make additional commitments within NATO to protect the soil of our Baltic and Romanian allies. And we will strengthen the fight against information manipulation and cyber attacks."
"The war in Ukraine marks a major geopolitical and historical turning point of the 20th century and brings the risk of a return of empires and conflicts to our borders. This major crisis will affect our lives, our economies and our security."
"Sanctions will have an impact over time, they are never without consequences, including for us, but we assume this because it is the defense of our values that is at stake. In this respect, we will take all necessary decisions to protect our compatriots."
"This war confirms that our Europe is not a union of consumers but a political project attached to values. The EU must fully become a power, more sovereign in energy, technology and military matters."
The statement was applauded across the assembly. A rare show of unity, especially in the middle of a presidential election. The National Assembly will have a public debate on this issue next week.
Video of the speech here:
https://twitter.com/LCP/status/1497209511974772737?s=20&t=RlgrQmmDlWSzhd5ynpHvtw
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