Marine Le Pen Vows to Halt Ukraine Aid, Criticizes Europe's 'Energy War'

French presidential candidate Marine Le Pen has stated she would cease providing aid to Ukraine within six months of being elected and criticized Europe's approach to energy with Russia, which she described as an "energy war." Le Pen, who is currently leading in polls for the French presidential race, also suggested that the European Union should acknowledge its inability to continue financial support for Kyiv.

Le Pen, a prominent Eurosceptic, has historically opposed Ukraine's potential EU membership and has voiced criticism of EU sanctions against Russia. She argued that these sanctions have inadvertently fostered an "energy war."

"We the EU have led an energy war against Russia, when we haven't got any energy. It is not very smart," Le Pen told the Financial Times. Her campaign platform emphasizes prioritizing French interests above those of other nations.

In a press conference, Le Pen outlined her proposal to cap France's net contribution to the EU budget at €5 billion ($4.3 billion), a significant reduction from the current approximate €8 billion ($6.8 billion). She indicated that by withholding contributions, she aims to disrupt the EU's plans for a seven-year budget of up to €100 billion ($84 billion).

These statements emerge as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has resumed strikes on Russian oil refineries, ending a previously observed ceasefire on energy infrastructure. Zelensky claimed this decision followed the cessation of intelligence sharing and crucial satellite data from the United States. In a separate interview, Zelensky described the halt in US intelligence and the slowdown of Starlink satellite internet service as "dangerous" for civilians.

Zelensky also publicly criticized former U.S. President Donald Trump, expressing a feeling of "betrayal" and warning that Trump was not on the "right side of history." Zelensky accused Trump of having an affinity for autocrats and the wealthy, citing Trump's comments about leaders who remain in power for extended periods.

Washington had reportedly exerted pressure on Kyiv to halt strikes on Russian refineries, citing the need to lower American fuel prices. Despite Ukraine's adherence to a temporary ceasefire, Zelensky stated that his military was deprived of US early-warning alerts for ballistic missiles, and Elon Musk's Starlink service experienced slowdowns that interfered with frontline operations.

US officials have denied cutting off intelligence sharing with Kyiv, though Musk stated on X that Starshield systems, a military-grade network built on Starlink technology, are controlled by the US government and any usage limits are decided by the US military and the President.

Meanwhile, a fuel terminal in Rostov-on-Don, Russia, reignited after a five-day blaze. Zelensky had paused energy strikes for three days in compliance with US wishes but stated he would resume them due to ongoing Russian attacks on Ukraine's essential infrastructure. Elon Musk, however, took to X to condemn Ukraine's resumption of attacks on Russian oil facilities, stating, "And so the slaughter continues. Time for Zelensky to go."