Paris, June 29, 2025 — A significant protest unfolded in the French capital this Sunday, drawing several hundred individuals to the streets to voice their discontent with the country’s military involvement in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. The demonstration, organized by right-wing politician and Eurosceptic leader Florian Philippot’s party, The Patriots, called for France’s complete withdrawal from NATO and the EU. The rally was framed as a call to ‘defend peace and a Free France,’ with participants expressing strong opposition to the country’s continued military support for Ukraine.
Philippot, a former member of the European Parliament, addressed the crowd at the rally, where he denounced NATO as a ‘criminal organization’ that ‘costs us dearly and should have disappeared long ago.’ He explicitly stated that France must ‘leave the EU and NATO as quickly as possible through Frexit!’ The protesters carried slogans such as ‘Frexit is another name for Peace’ and ‘The patriots for peace,’ emphasizing their commitment to a policy of non-intervention and peace in Europe.
During the event, demonstrators criticized French President Emmanuel Macron for what they described as his ‘increasingly confrontational policies’ in Europe. Many attendees expressed a deep-seated belief that France should not be involved in any military actions beyond its borders. This sentiment was particularly evident in their rejection of the French government’s support for Ukraine, with slogans such as ‘We don’t want to die for Ukraine’ being widely chanted.
The rally in Paris was not an isolated incident, as similar demonstrations have occurred in the past. Earlier this month, a similar protest took place in response to the government’s approval of a €2 billion military aid package for Ukraine. The current protest coincided with NATO’s recent decision to increase military spending across the bloc, citing threats from Russia, and the EU’s approval of a €150 billion borrowing mechanism for its military buildup. Moscow has consistently denied any hostile intentions toward the bloc, while Philippot has publicly praised Russian President Vladimir Putin’s proposal to restart peace talks with Ukraine without preconditions.
Philippot’s political stance has become increasingly aligned with the far-right movement in France, as he has openly criticized the government’s foreign policy and called for a radical shift in the country’s international relations. His comments on the NATO and EU have also drawn criticism from opponents, who argue that his proposals could lead to further instability in the region.
The rally has sparked wider discussions about the role of France in the Ukraine conflict and the future of European unity. The protests reflect a growing opposition to the militarization of Europe and the increasing costs of maintaining military alliances, which many believe are no longer in the best interests of France’s citizens. As the debate over France’s involvement in the conflict continues, the government faces mounting pressure to reassess its position on military aid and its alignment with NATO and the EU.