France is sending weapons and air-defence systems to Ukraine

take many forms,” began a witty clip posted by the Ukrainian defence ministry on October 12th, with images of red roses, chocolates and sunset over the city of Paris. “But if you really want to win our hearts,” it went on, “nothing beats 155mm highly mobile self-propelled artillery.” Designed as both a cute and serious message to the French government, the video concluded “. Please send us more.”The Ukrainians could scarcely have hoped for a swifter response. That evening President Emmanuel Macron announced that France would send six more Caesar howitzers, in addition to the 18 already delivered, as well as anti-aircraft systems, radars and more. On October 15th Sébastien Lecornu, his defence minister, spelt out the details. France would send Crotale air-defence systems, to be operational within two months, and train 2,000 Ukrainian soldiers. It is also looking at sending multiple-launch rocket systems (), similar to the . Some reports suggest that three of the French systems are already on the ground.