France flaunts firepower during Bastille Day parade

France displayed its military might and commitment to allies during its largest-ever Bastille Day parade, with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky as the guest of honor. The event underscored Europe's growing rearmament efforts amid Russia's ongoing war against Ukraine.

President Emmanuel Macron presided over the July 14th celebration, which brought together thousands of French troops alongside leaders and hundreds of European soldiers. This parade, commemorating the storming of the Bastille, followed a summit hosted by Macron for Ukraine's allies. European leaders, including German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and British Premier Keir Starmer, attended the event.

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What is marching past is a Europe united and determined to support Ukraine in the face of Russia, a Europe confident in itself.

Braving a scorching heatwave, tens of thousands of spectators watched a record contingent of nearly 6,700 troops, 98 aircraft, 31 helicopters, and 315 vehicles march along the Champs-Élysées. A French presidential official stated the parade aimed to illustrate "France's rearmament, France's strategic autonomy, and Europe's strategic awakening." Deputy defense minister Alice Rufo told RTL radio, "What is marching past is a Europe united and determined to support Ukraine in the face of Russia, a Europe confident in itself."

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The message we send to the world is this: Yes, peace is our goal. Yes, we cherish freedom and the rule of law. And yes, we stand ready to fight to defend them. Always, and at the cost of blood if necessary.

Approximately 500 soldiers from European nations supporting Ukraine marched, symbolically followed by 25 Ukrainian soldiers. President Macron emphasized Europe's readiness to defend freedom, even at the cost of its own troops shedding blood. "The message we send to the world is this: Yes, peace is our goal," he said in a speech. "Yes, we cherish freedom and the rule of law. And yes, we stand ready to fight to defend them. Always, and at the cost of blood if necessary."

Chief of the Defence Staff General Fabien Mandon described the parade as "a physical embodiment of the strategic solidarity between our countries," particularly relevant given growing threats to European security and perceived unpredictability from U.S. President Donald Trump.

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a physical embodiment of the strategic solidarity between our countries