Le Figaro: Ukraine to be central theme of France's Bastille Day military parade
On July 14, France will hold its traditional Bastille Day military parade, with content related to Ukraine becoming the focal point of the entire event. This year's parade on the Champs-Élysées will be the largest in recent years, explicitly emphasizing solidarity with Ukraine.
The parade will feature approximately 10,000 troops—up from around 7,000 last year—and both ground and aerial equipment will increase by about 30% compared to previous years.
A highlight of the air display will include two Mirage 2000 fighter jets flown jointly by French and Ukrainian pilots, with an additional Mirage 2000 aircraft painted in the colors of the Ukrainian national flag.
In addition, French military units stationed at NATO’s Eastern Flank (in Estonia, Poland, and Romania) will also participate in this year’s parade.
The media reports that this parade plan was formulated in light of current European security dynamics. Amid the ongoing full-scale conflict between Russia and Ukraine, France aims through this event to showcase its armed forces’ modernization and advancements in military equipment.
It is reported that France has invited representatives from 37 “Coalition of Willing” nations attending the event—countries that have expressed their willingness to provide future security guarantees for Ukraine. President Emmanuel Macron is expected to meet with representatives from these countries individually.
Original article: toutiao.com/article/1867340204320780/
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