Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy arrived in Paris to finalise major defence agreements with France, aiming to boost Ukraine’s long-term air defence and aviation capabilities amid intensified Russian attacks. Speaking ahead of the visit, Zelenskyy said a “historic agreement” would be signed on Monday, covering combat aviation, air defence systems and other military support. The visit comes as Russia increases drone and missile strikes while reporting ground advances in the Zaporizhzhia region.
According to sources, France is preparing a 10-year strategic aviation agreement that could include the provision of Rafale multi-role fighter jets, supplementing Ukraine’s future fleet alongside U.S. F-16s and Sweden’s Gripen aircraft. Paris is also expected to announce additional SAMP/T air-defence systems and Aster 30 missiles, with some deliveries drawn from French stocks and others through long-term orders. Macron had already pledged more Mirage jets and new missile batches, though questions remain over how the expanded assistance will be financed.
Zelenskyy is set to meet defence manufacturers including Dassault before signing letters of intent and contracts. A separate forum will bring together Ukrainian and French drone-sector companies to deepen cooperation. French officials say the goal is to align the country’s defence industry with Ukraine’s needs and strengthen its capacity to counter Russian aggression. France and Britain continue to push for forming a coalition of nations prepared to deploy troops and assets to Ukraine or its borders once a peace deal is reached.
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