Paris / Anatolia

French President Emmanuel Macron announced that his country intends to deliver Ukraine self-propelled Caesar howitzers and thousands of shells to confront Russian forces.

Macron's comments came to break weeks of strategic silence over military aid to Kiev.

In an interview with the Sud West newspaper, Macron confirmed that France had delivered Milan anti-tank guided missiles to Ukraine.

"Ukraine handed over large equipment, from Milan to Cesar, including several types of weapons," he said.

"I think we must continue on this path, we must help the Ukrainians as much as possible, but we must be careful that we never participate in the war," he added.

Hours after the interview, Defense Minister Florence Parly confirmed, in a tweet, that Paris "will continue to provide military support to Kiev, by delivering several Caesar cannons and thousands of shells."

The Caesar is a French-made truck mounted artillery system.

On February 24, Russia launched an attack on Ukraine, followed by international rejection and severe economic sanctions against Moscow, which stipulate to end its operation that Kyiv abandon plans to join military entities and maintain neutrality, which the latter considers an "interference in its sovereignty."