In Paris, at a critical moment for the war, the French president announced a new, extensive 10-year defense agreement while speaking with his Ukrainian counterpart, Volodymyr Zelensky, in the French capital where he hosted the latter. Emmanuel Macron expressed hope that the war would end before 2027, while not hesitating to throw a “barb” at Donald Trump as well. “I am pleased to welcome you to Paris at this difficult moment of the conflict,” Emmanuel Macron stated, once again accusing Russia of “choosing war on its own” and speaking of “imperialistic and, frankly, neo-colonial instincts” of Moscow.
Macron-Zelensky meeting: The defense agreement aimed at strengthening bilateral relations
The French president expressed hope that “peace will be achieved before 2027,” noting that in recent months “decisions have been made that constitute real turning points,” such as strengthening sanctions against Russia and measures against the “shadow fleet” that allows Moscow to export oil. Referring to international support for Kyiv, Macron commented that “in other democracies, even important ones, where some candidates promised that everything would end in 24 hours or that Ukraine should no longer be supported, reality changed their positions” – a clear and “sharp” reference to American President Donald Trump’s campaign statements. “What happened on the other side of the Atlantic should inspire many and make them less authoritarian” he added.
Macron also emphasized that “many of the missiles and bombs delivered have proven their effectiveness in the field over the past three and a half years,” stressing that France “is taking a new step today” to strengthen Ukraine, which he characterized as “Europe’s front line of defense.”
In a press conference at the Élysée, Macron outlined the defense agreement that “strengthens bilateral cooperation” with immediate effect and a duration of ten years. The agreement includes the acquisition of drones, drone interception systems and “guided bombs,” with production commitments until the end of the year and for the next three years. Macron also announced that provision is made for “the acquisition of next-generation SAMP/T air defense systems,” which are under development and have already been given the “green light” for deployment in Ukraine.
The letter of intent that was signed provides that Ukraine can acquire “up to 100” fully equipped Rafale fighter jets. The program also includes necessary training programs and production lines that will support future deliveries.
Macron explained that the agreement’s funding is covered “partly by national resources within the framework of the military programming law” and partly by the SAFE program, as well as the program based on revenues from frozen Russian assets at the G7 level.
He also said that French train manufacturing company Alstom signed an agreement worth approximately 475 million euros to supply train engines to the Ukrainian railway company.
Zelensky: Russia has many resources and doesn’t count human losses
For his part, Volodymyr Zelensky stated that his government is examining the possibility of co-producing some of the Rafale jets Ukraine will purchase, as well as joint drone production. “Russia has many resources and doesn’t count human losses. It carries out constant attacks, but we do everything we can to defend ourselves,” the Ukrainian president said, thanking France for its steadfast support.
Zelensky confirmed that Ukraine will be able to receive “100 Rafale jets, four French radars, eight anti-aircraft defense systems and six bomb launch systems,” emphasizing that “this is extremely important for us.”
What Macron said about the corruption scandal in Ukraine
The French president expressed, meanwhile, his confidence that Volodymyr Zelensky can improve Ukraine’s track record in fighting corruption.
The path to Ukraine’s EU membership requires rule of law reforms in the country, Macron stated at the Élysée.
Last week, Zelensky had requested the resignation of two ministers from his government amid an investigation into an alleged $100 million corruption scandal that sparked public outrage against the country’s government.
