One hour talk: Zelenskyy and Macron discuss air defense and Coalition of the Willing
Photo: Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Emmanuel Macron (president.gov.ua)
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky held a "very substantive" hour-long phone call with French President Emmanuel Macron, according to Zelenskyy's post on Telegram.
The two leaders discussed the situation on the front lines and Ukraine's urgent defense needs. They also had a detailed conversation about strengthening Ukraine's air defense, particularly regarding the supply of missiles for SAMP/T systems and funding for interceptor drones.
"We will prepare joint decisions with France and other partners at the level of Defense and Foreign Ministers on new steps aimed at protecting our people from Russian strikes," Zelenskyy wrote.
Ukrainian President also highlighted an agreement on training pilots for Mirage fighter jets: France is ready to host more Ukrainian pilots for training on additional aircraft.
The two leaders also discussed cooperation within the framework of the Coalition of the Willing and the implementation of agreements reached during a recent meeting.
"Together with our American partners, we are working to ensure that Russia feels real global pressure. Every day this war is prolonged, it must result in truly painful consequences for Russia," Zelenskyy added.
Earlier, on July 10 in Rome, President Zelenskyy announced that Ukraine had developed and successfully tested interceptor drones capable of shooting down Shahed UAVs. He noted that Ukraine's industry can mass-produce them, but financial support is needed.
As RBC-Ukraine previously reported, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer said on July 17 that the Coalition of the Willing is working on plans to deploy deterrence forces to Ukraine.
