Ukraine hopes for more Mirage jets from France - Zelenskyy
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and French President Emmanuel Macron (GettyImages)
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with French President Emmanuel Macron to coordinate their next joint steps and discuss diplomatic efforts aimed at increasing pressure on Russia, Zelenskyy said.
During the meeting, they discussed the possibility of expanding Ukraine's air fleet with additional Mirage fighter jets, as well as joint production and investment in interceptor drones.
"Together with France, we are doing everything to better protect Ukraine's skies. We are counting on positive decisions in the near future," Zelenskyy wrote.
The two presidents also discussed the development of the Coalition of the Willing, expectations for the upcoming NATO summit, and the need to impose tougher sanctions against Russia.
"A real blow to Russia's financial machine can come from fair price caps on oil and gas. I thank Emmanuel and the entire French nation for their strong support. Together, we are bringing a just peace closer," Zelenskyy noted.
Mirage jets for Ukraine
French President Emmanuel Macron had announced last year his intention to supply Mirage 2000 fighter jets to Ukraine. Initial plans suggested that the deliveries would begin by the end of 2024.
However, on February 6 of this year, French Defense Minister Sébastien Lecornu confirmed that the first combat aircraft had already arrived in Ukraine.
Then, on March 7, Ukraine's Air Force reported that Mirage jets had been used for the first time to defend Ukrainian airspace against Russian missiles and drones.
More details about the French fighter jets delivered to Ukraine can be found in the report by RBC-Ukraine.
