Paris: The French European affairs minister on Tuesday criticized the US military aid pause to Ukraine, saying it pushes peace "further away."

According to Anadolu Agency, Benjamin Haddad, the French European affairs minister, expressed his concerns on public broadcaster France 2. He questioned the impact of suspending military aid to Ukraine, arguing that it would only strengthen Russia's position in the ongoing conflict. Haddad emphasized that to achieve peace, pressure should be applied on Russia, the aggressor, rather than Ukraine.

US President Donald Trump has reportedly paused military aid to Ukraine following a clash with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Trump aims for a swift resolution to the three-year-long war, while Zelenskyy seeks security guarantees to prevent future violations by Russia.

Haddad reiterated the importance of Europe playing a more prominent role, suggesting that this is a critical moment for Europeans to bolster their defense and support for Ukraine. He pointed out that the combined aid from European countries, encompassing economic, humanitarian, and military assistance, surpasses that of the United States, highlighting Europe's vested interest in Ukraine's future.

Haddad also noted a shift in US priorities away from Europe, citing domestic concerns and rivalry with China as potential distractions. He called for Europeans to take charge of their own security and future amid these changing dynamics.