France’s solidarity with Ukraine is rooted above all in strong human ties.
Traveling to Ukraine, engaging directly with Ukrainians, and understanding the reality on the ground make it possible to build and strengthen this solidarity. Such visits are also essential to preparing joint initiatives and concrete cooperation projects, giving full meaning to France’s commitment to the Ukrainian people.
It was in this spirit that Stand With Ukraine was pleased to accompany a delegation from the France–Ukraine Friendship Group of the French National Assembly, led by Gabriel Attal, President of the Group, and composed of Members of Parliament Tristan Lahais (Ille-et-Vilaine), Thierry Sother, Pieyre-Alexandre Anglade (MP for French citizens residing in the Benelux), and Liliana Tanguy, during their visit to Kyiv, Mykolaiv, and Odesa.
In Kyiv, the delegation took part in the Yalta European Strategy (YES), a major forum for dialogue bringing together decision-makers and opinion leaders to support Ukraine and explore ways to strengthen international solidarity with the country. The MPs also met with the President of the Verkhovna Rada, Ruslan Stefanchuk, as well as their Ukrainian counterparts from the parliamentary friendship group, including MPs Liudmyla Buimister and Lesia Vasylenko, co-chairs of the friendship group in the Rada.
In Mykolaiv, a southern city heavily affected by Russian attacks, the elected officials met with the city’s mayor, Oleksandr Senkevych, and local residents. Their visit coincided with the city’s anniversary celebration on September 13. It also provided an opportunity to observe the dynamism of the partnership between Mykolaiv and Montpellier, signed last June as part of our #MistoMatch initiative. Earlier this summer, children from Mykolaiv stayed in Montpellier, a concrete demonstration of the vitality of this bond.
In Odesa, the delegation met with local officials, cultural stakeholders, and volunteers. Particular attention was paid to Odesa’s cultural heritage, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site and now targeted by systematic destruction.
At Stand With Ukraine, we are convinced that these exchanges give concrete substance to Franco-Ukrainian solidarity. They form the foundation of France’s political support, deepen understanding of Ukrainians’ needs, and directly contribute to their fight for a just and lasting peace.
Despite the context and sometimes lively domestic political debates in France, support for Ukraine remains a unifying issue that transcends political divides. Within the political class as well as among the general public, a large majority continues to mobilize.
This French solidarity is essential for Ukrainians to build their European future, to feel genuinely supported, and to know that they are not alone.
This principle—human solidarity and concrete commitment—is at the heart of Stand With Ukraine’s philosophy. We bring it to life by supporting elected officials, French cities, and regions in their partnerships with their Ukrainian counterparts.
