After his visit to Greece, Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky traveled to France, specifically to Paris, where he met with Emmanuel Macron. According to French television station LCI, during his visit to France, the Ukrainian president announced that his country plans to order 100 Rafale fighter aircraft from France.
Ukraine is therefore making strategic moves to strengthen its air defense with the announcement of ordering 100 Rafale fighter aircraft from France. The meeting between Macron and Zelensky in Paris marks a new era in military cooperation between the two countries, aimed at effectively countering the Russian threat.
Zelensky has arrived in Paris, where Macron has already welcomed him.
A military supply agreement is expected to be signed. pic.twitter.com/7OnUyFRiGU
— NEXTA (@nexta_tv) November 17, 2025
Strategic Ukraine-France agreement for air superiority
During his visit to France, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky met with Emmanuel Macron and presented his country’s plans for massive modernization of its air force. Their meeting focused on signing a “historic” agreement that strengthens Ukrainian air defense through advanced weapons systems. Beyond the Rafale, the agreement includes anti-aircraft defense systems and advanced missiles.
According to reports, the French arms industry will present the Rafale fighter and its weapons to Zelensky, while also showcasing next-generation systems such as the SAMP/T anti-aircraft system and drones. Acquiring these systems is considered critical for countering ongoing Russian missile strikes that hit Ukraine daily.
The potential delivery of 100 Rafale aircraft is considered a strategic move for Ukraine, which seeks to massively modernize its air force and strengthen its long-term defense against the Russian threat.
Emmanuel Macron: “Great day”
Meanwhile, in a post on X, French President Emmanuel Macron wrote “Great Day” and uploaded a photo from his meeting with Volodymyr Zelensky.
Grand jour.
Великий день. pic.twitter.com/YwfGV4d7Ii— Emmanuel Macron (@EmmanuelMacron) November 17, 2025
Systems necessary to counter Russian attacks
According to the French presidency, the excellence of French defense industry will be put at the service of Ukraine’s defense and will allow it to acquire systems necessary to counter the Russian offensive.
The French presidency mainly referred to defending Ukrainian skies, as Volodymyr Zelensky renewed his appeal on Saturday for more anti-aircraft defense systems, one day after a new wave of massive Russian missile strikes. Last night, new attacks killed at least three people in the Kharkiv region in eastern Ukraine.
France has already delivered Mirage fighters to Kyiv
It should be noted that Zelensky signed a letter of intent last month for acquiring 100-150 Swedish Gripen fighter aircraft, marking a shift from the previous provision of weapons systems from Western countries to Kyiv and part of planning long-term reinforcement of Ukrainian defense for after the war ends. France has already delivered Mirage fighters to Kyiv, but until now the prospect of Rafale aircraft, which are the jewel of the French air force, had not been raised.
After visiting the Villacoublay base, the two leaders will participate in a Franco-Ukrainian drone forum this afternoon at the Élysée Palace. Kyiv intends to use more than 4.5 million drones this year, which are responsible for 70% of enemy material destruction at the front. Ukraine has developed an effective production network for this purpose. Ukraine also uses drones to shoot down Russian Shahed drones that are launched every night against it.
Emmanuel Macron and Volodymyr Zelensky will also visit Mont Valérien, the headquarters of the “multinational Ukraine force” that Paris and London are preparing for deployment in case of a ceasefire agreement and provision of security guarantees to Kyiv. This headquarters was established by the “coalition of the willing,” which includes 35 countries along with Ukraine. It is operational and already has the capability to deploy forces, according to the French side.
