Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy made an official visit to France and held a meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron. This was reported by Zamin.uz.
During the meeting, the parties signed a comprehensive cooperation declaration in the field of defense at the Villacoublay airbase near Paris. Zelenskiy called this agreement a "historic step."
The document includes major decisions of strategic importance for the Ukrainian army. The main part of the agreement is the plan to deliver 100 Rafale fighter jets, manufactured in France, to Ukraine.
The financial sources for this military aid have not yet been fully disclosed. According to international sources, some of the aircraft may be taken from France's current military fleet.
Additionally, the parties agreed on the delivery of SAMP/T air defense systems, modern radars, air-to-air equipment, and other technologies. Furthermore, Ukraine and France agreed to jointly establish production of interceptor drones.
This step will serve to further strengthen and modernize Ukraine's defense system. After the agreement, Zelenskiy and Macron visited the headquarters of the "volunteer coalition" to discuss the aid being provided to Ukraine.
Macron described Ukraine as "Europe's first line of defense" and emphasized that this assistance is important for the security of the entire continent. Zelenskiy will visit Spain after France.
This will be his second visit to Spain since the war began. Meanwhile, a month ago, Ukraine also signed an agreement with Sweden for the delivery of Gripen fighter jets.
The initial batch of these aircraft is expected to arrive in 2026. According to international sources, through these agreements with France and Sweden, Ukraine plans to increase its military aviation to 250 modern combat aircraft.
Considering that Ukraine currently has only a few dozen effective aircraft, these agreements will significantly strengthen the country's defense. This new agreement signed in Paris is undoubtedly an important step for the security of Ukraine and Europe.
