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He has also increasingly focused on countries that were once in Russia's sphere of influence, such as Moldova and Serbia.
Serbia is expected to sign the largest arms deal in its modern history with France, a sign of how Russia's war in Ukraine is prompting one of Moscow's closest allies to diversify its arms purchases.
Belgrade is planning a €3 billion order for a dozen French Rafale fighter jets from Dassault Aviation, marking a long-term commitment to the West after decades of reliance on Russian jets.
Since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic has frustrated European capitals by refusing to join Western sanctions against Vladimir Putin's regime and keeping Serbia open for Russian business while still trying to its to join the EU.
But as pressure from Europe and the US mounted, Vucic began allowing shipments of Serbian-made ammunition to Ukraine and the purchase of Western weapons, in addition to the Chinese and Russian systems currently used by the Serbian armed forces.
"The contract is expected to be signed in the next two months and in the presence of the president of France. We are determined to buy new aircraft that would significantly improve our combat capabilities ," Vucic said in Paris last week after meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron.
A Serbian defense official told the Financial Times that the deal was "more than 90 percent negotiated" but that the two sides had to agree on financial terms.
The official also stressed that the war in Ukraine has accelerated diversification for them.
" We've been relying on Soviet-style technology and we have some long tails, a need to maintain that equipment. Because of the geopolitical circumstances right now it's not even feasible - even if you wanted to - to buy from Russia anyway, " the official said.
Macron has used increasingly tough rhetoric in recent months about the danger to European security if Russia is not defeated in Ukraine. He has also increasingly focused on countries that were once in Russia's sphere of influence, such as Moldova and Serbia.
His rapprochement with Vucic and support for Serbia's EU membership are part of this strategy, with the two leaders also discussing the former Yugoslav country's role in European ammunition production.
Macron has also signaled that he wants Serbia to take further steps towards the West, including recognizing Kosovo's citizenship.
Russia's full-scale occupation of Ukraine has prompted European countries to increase defense spending and helped France become the second largest arms exporter after the United States last year. / Adapted "Pamphlet" from "Financial Times".
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