Zelenskyy awards Macron one of Ukraine's highest state honors
Photo: Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Emmanuel Macron (Getty Images)
French President Emmanuel Macron has been awarded the Order of Freedom, one of Ukraine's highest state honors, according to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
"Relations between our countries have reached a truly strategic level, due in large part to President Macron’s personal efforts. Today, I thanked Emmanuel for his assistance and support throughout these years and awarded the Order of Freedom to the President, a true friend of Ukraine," Zelenskyy wrote.
The Ukrainian President also shared details of his meeting with Macron. According to Zelenskyy, the two leaders discussed priorities ahead of the meetings of the Anti-Ballistic Missile Coalition and the Coalition of the Willing, as well as bilateral cooperation between Ukraine and France.
"We spoke in detail about the situation on the front and Ukraine’s needs in protecting people from Russian attacks. It is important to strengthen Ukraine, reinforce our air defenses, and accelerate the development of Europe’s anti-ballistic capabilities. France has precisely the capabilities and advanced technologies needed to help," Zelenskyy said.
As always, @EmmanuelMacron and I are closely coordinating our positions. We had a productive meeting and discussed priorities ahead of the meetings of the Anti-Ballistic Coalition and the Coalition of the Willing, as well as our bilateral cooperation.
— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) July 13, 2026
Relations between our… pic.twitter.com/PtUkgFVn9n
The Order of Freedom is one of Ukraine's highest state decorations. Established in 2008, it is awarded for outstanding contributions to strengthening Ukraine's sovereignty, independence, and democratic development, as well as for defending constitutional human rights.
As previously reported, Paris will host a major meeting of the Coalition of the Willing on the eve of Bastille Day. Participants are expected to focus on strengthening Ukraine's air defense.
The agenda also includes discussions on creating a comprehensive missile defense system and details of the US plan for licensed production of Patriot missiles directly in Ukraine.
