Macron and Zelensky Sign Agreement to Strengthen Ukraine’s Defense, With Rafale Jet in Background
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and French President Emmanuel Macron signed an agreement regarding the acquisition of defense equipment by Ukraine.
A video of the signing ceremony, set against the backdrop of Rafale jets, was published on the official website of the President of Ukraine.
The day before, Zelensky announced that this agreement would be signed between Ukraine and France to strengthen Ukraine’s combat aviation and air defense.
Before this, French journalists received information from the Office of the President of France about which weapons systems would be included in the ‘historic agreement’ with Ukraine.
The countries may have concluded a 10-year strategic aviation agreement, which would involve supplying Ukraine with Rafale multirole fighter jets.
Agreements may also have been concluded on the supply of additional SAMP/T air-defense systems, along with missiles and counter-UAV systems.
The day before, the French president’s press service reported that Macron intended to discuss with Zelensky the issue of planned security guarantees in the event of a ceasefire in Ukraine.
In addition, Macron also intended “to reaffirm France’s commitment to supporting Ukraine,” according to the Élysée Palace.
It was also planned that both presidents would jointly visit the General Staff of the ‘multinational Ukrainian forces,’ which so far exist only on paper.
Previously, France and the United Kingdom advocated for sending foreign contingents to Ukraine, which would be present there in the event of a ceasefire.
Zelensky, in turn, reported that during his visit the signing of a ‘historic agreement’ with France was being prepared, aimed at strengthening combat aviation, air defense, and defensive capabilities. Currently, France, together with the United Kingdom and Germany, is a leading force in the so-called ‘coalition of the willing,’ which includes about 30 mostly European countries and coordinates support for Ukraine.
Back in 2021, it was reported that French President Emmanuel Macron intended to offer Ukraine Rafale fighter jets to replace the Soviet MiG-29s during his visit to Kyiv.
