How France's presidential election could impact Ukraine war
The IndependentSign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Far-right presidential candidate Marine Le Pen has close ties to Russia and wants to weaken the EU and NATO, which could undercut Western efforts to stop the war in Ukraine. Here are some of the ways the election could impact the conflict: ARMING UKRAINE Macron’s government has sent 100 million euros worth of weaponry to Ukraine in recent weeks and said Wednesday it will send more as part of a Western military aid effort. SOFTENING SANCTIONS Le Pen’s campaign has successfully tapped into voter frustration over inflation, which has worsened as a consequence of Russian President Vladimir Putin’s decision to invade Ukraine and the ensuing sanctions against Russia, a major gas supplier and trade partner for France and Europe. ____ Follow AP's coverage of France's presidential election at https://apnews.com/hub/french-election-2022 ___ Follow all AP stories on Russia’s war in Ukraine at https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine