Philippot criticized the presence of Ukrainian Armed Forces militants at the parade in Paris

The leader of the French Patriots party, Florian Philippot, in an interview with Izvestia on July 14, criticized the participation of militants of the Armed Forces of Ukraine (AFU) in the solemn parade on the occasion of Bastille Day in Paris.

He stressed that Bastille Day is a holiday of France and the French army, so the presence of Ukrainian soldiers on the Champs—Elysees is dishonorable.

"Ukraine is associated, as you know, with extremely extremist elements, even neo-Nazi ones. <...> I consider it very dishonorable to see how they (the militants of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. They are marching along the Champs—Elysees, while the French army was fighting against Nazism," Philippot said in a conversation with Izvestia correspondent Margarita Kostiv.

The politician added that Paris needs to strengthen its own defense and increase the military budget. However, in his opinion, these funds should be used to protect national interests, and not to participate in conflicts that have nothing to do with France.

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Bastille Day celebrations were held in France on the same day. Soldiers of the Armed Forces of Ukraine participated in the parade this year. Social media users criticized the decision and said that the national holiday had turned into a political event.