Volodymyr Zelenski has arrived in France on his ninth official visit to strengthen "energy, economic, and defense ties" and visit the headquarters of the "multinational force of Ukraine," composed of 35 countries and already operational near Paris for deployment in the event of a peace agreement.
The military cooperation agreement, described as "historic" by Kiev, includes the purchase of up to 100 Rafale fighter jets, manufactured by the French company Dassault Aviation, and all their "associated armaments." According to the Elysee, the agreement outlines close defense collaboration "over the next decade."
"Everything is ready for peace in Ukraine, it is only Russia that rejects it," declared Emmanuel Macron at the joint press conference with Volodymyr Zelenski. "Russia is pursuing its goal of controlling Ukrainian territory," reiterated the French President, who condemned "the obstinacy and intransigence" shown by Vladimir Putin with his recent attacks on Ukrainian infrastructure, as well as Russia's "imperialist and neo-colonial ambitions."
"We will continue to support Ukraine to regenerate and modernize its armed forces and have deterrent capabilities against aggression," emphasized Macron, who confirmed the purchase of 100 Rafale fighter jets, as well as drones, drone interceptors, missiles, and new air defense systems.
According to Macron, the military collaboration agreement is "a demonstration of France's willingness to put its industrial and technological excellence at the heart of Ukraine and Europe."
"We are entering a new stage in our collaboration because Ukraine is the first line of defense for Europe," Macron warned. "If Ukraine does not have a strong and credible force, Russia will continue to attack." "Our goal is a lasting and just peace, allowing Ukraine to be a sovereign, independent, free, and European country," Macron concluded.
"I hope that peace can be achieved before 2027," Macron assured during the question session. "I think the last few months have been marked by decisions that can turn the conflict around."
Zelenski stated that the agreement signed with France will allow "a substantial reinforcement of our defense capabilities". "Ukraine will be able to receive one hundred Rafale fighter jets, four French radars, eight air defense systems, and six missile launch systems, and all of this is very important for us."
The Ukrainian President, who visited Athens on Sunday, will arrive in Spain on Tuesday in his second visit since the war with Russia. Zelenski is scheduled to meet with representatives of the Congress and the Senate.
Zelenski arrived early on Monday and was received with all the honors of a State visit by Macron at Villacoublay Air Base for an initial bilateral exchange and a meeting with representatives of the French arms industry.
The two leaders will sign a "letter of intent" on military cooperation between the two countries. "The continuation of the war and the absence of a ceasefire underline our responsibility to allow Ukraine to defend itself and give it a new impetus," declared a spokesperson for the French government.
They will then make a stop at the so-called "volunteer coalition headquarters" at Mont Valérien, from where the hypothetical deployment of a European force in the event of a peace agreement is coordinated. According to the spokesperson, the operational center is already fully functional and would allow the deployment of a multinational force in Ukraine, "the day after the ceasefire is signed."
Zelenski and Macron will then hold a press conference at the Elysee before a working lunch. The visit will conclude with both leaders attending the so-called Franco-Ukrainian Drone Forum, focused on the new defensive strategy against Russia's recent drone attacks on Ukrainian territory.
The visit comes days after the corruption scandal erupted over alleged embezzlement of funds from the energy sector, tarnishing Zelenski's image amid the intensification of the Russian offensive. The Ukrainian President will have to address questions from international media about his responsibility in the scandal.