Kyiv: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with French Minister of the Armed Forces and Veterans Affairs Catherine Vautrin in Ukraine to discuss accelerating military assistance, including air defense systems and combat aircraft deliveries, amid continued Russian attacks.
According to Anadolu Agency, the talks focused on strengthening Ukraine's air defense with additional systems and missiles, as well as expanding aviation capabilities through French-made aircraft. Zelenskyy expressed Ukraine's appreciation for the support from French President Emmanuel Macron, the government, and the French people since the onset of Russia's full-scale invasion in early 2022.
Zelenskyy briefed Vautrin on the impact of a Russian strike that occurred overnight and outlined necessary measures to boost protection and resilience. He emphasized the importance of supplying SAMP/T systems and French Mirage aircraft as Russia continues extensive aerial attacks. Zelenskyy noted that Mirage aircraft are already integrated into Ukraine's air defense system, intercepting the "shaheds" used by Russia daily, and highlighted the need for continued support in this area. He added that an agreement on Ukraine's future modern aviation would facilitate the acquisition of Rafale aircraft and that Kyiv is relying on a new generation of SAMP/T systems.
The Ukrainian leader stressed that faster delivery of air defense assets would significantly enhance the protection of the country's airspace. He also mentioned Ukraine's goal to swiftly implement joint projects with France under European initiatives, particularly SAFE - an EU program that enables member states to purchase weapons and ammunition for Ukraine from the Ukrainian defense industry.
Vautrin reaffirmed France's continued support, mentioning close cooperation with Ukraine's Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov, including radar modernization and collaboration on drone production. She stated that France would honor its commitments regarding Rafale deliveries, which will proceed as planned under the SAFE instrument. Vautrin also mentioned that Paris would continue efforts to involve the European defense-industrial complex in strengthening capabilities and sovereignty.
The meeting also addressed sanctions against Russia. Zelenskyy welcomed France's action to detain a tanker from Russia's shadow fleet and urged other countries to join similar efforts and introduce legislative changes to fully block Russian tankers.