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Marine Le Pen Links France’s NATO Exit to the End of Russia’s War in Ukraine
By Drooid · · How we work
Le Pen Conditions NATO Exit on End of Ukraine War
At a recent Playbook Paris Live summit, Marine Le Pen – leader of the National Rally and front-runner in the upcoming French presidential election – reiterated that France will not withdraw from NATO’s integrated military command while Russia’s war in Ukraine continues. Le Pen added that a peace-keeping force similar to United Nations troops could be feasible if it became part of cease-fire negotiations.
Historical French Position on NATO
The National Rally has long advocated pulling France out of NATO’s integrated command, a stance echoed by party president Jordan Bardella, who previously suggested waiting for a Kyiv-Moscow peace agreement before any withdrawal. In May, Le Pen announced she would pull France out during her first term, without referencing the Ukraine conflict. Both Le Pen and far-left candidate Jean-Luc Mélenchon now call for Paris to leave the alliance, prompting concern at NATO headquarters about France’s future defense policy.
Le Pen’s Policy Proposals and NATO’s Reaction
Le Pen and Bardella recently issued a statement condemning Russia, a move intended to counter accusations from centre-right and centre-left opponents that the National Rally aligns with President Vladimir Putin. Despite her opposition to further financial aid for Ukraine, Le Pen supports training Ukrainian troops and providing defensive gear. NATO, for its part, has stated that it sees no risk of an “imminent attack” on its members, even as Poland, Lithuania, France and the Netherlands have issued fresh warnings about Russian aggression.
Political Reactions and Electoral Context
Centre-right and centre-left parties have criticised Le Pen’s NATO stance, arguing that it could undermine collective European security. The issue is playing out against the backdrop of a high-stakes presidential race slated for next spring, with Le Pen and Bardella campaigning as a ticket that would see the 31-year-old National Rally leader become prime minister if she wins. Their position on NATO and Ukraine aid is likely to remain a focal point of voter debate in the coming months.