Zelenskyy to strike a historic deal in France, covering air defenses, missiles and jets — Reuters

Zelenskyy is in Paris and will hold talks with French President Emmanuel Macron in the near future.

“A historic agreement has also been prepared with France – there will be a significant strengthening of our combat aviation, air defense, and other defense capabilities. According to the visit schedule, this will take place on Monday,” Zelenskyy said.

Negotiations have been ongoing for several weeks regarding France providing more military support to Ukraine.

Last month, Macron promised to offer more Mirage fighter jets, initially promising to supply six, as well as a new batch of Aster 30 surface-to-air missiles manufactured by the European group MBDA for SAMP/T air defense batteries.

Strengthening Ukrainian aviation

But according to two sources, Zelenskyy's visit to Paris will give Kyiv more. It may include a 10-year aviation development agreement that will signal the supply of Dassault's Rafale multi-role combat aircraft to Kyiv.

Some of these may come directly from French stocks, although the bulk will be long-term and part of Ukraine's efforts to increase its fighter fleet to 250 combat aircraft.

Details of Zelenskyy's visit

On Monday, agreements may also be signed for more SAMP/T air defense systems from existing French stocks or through long-term orders for next-generation missiles, including missiles and anti-drone systems. However, it is unclear how these agreements will be financed.

Zelenskyy will also attend a briefing by various manufacturers, including Dassault. A separate forum in the afternoon will bring together Ukrainian and French companies working in the drone sector to see how they can join forces.

Background

Earlier, Zelenskyy said that Ukraine would soon receive new air defense systems and combat aircraft from allies, including France. The relevant decisions are already being prepared, and it will be a historic agreement.

Also, on November 13, eight European countries announced the allocation of $500 million for the purchase of military equipment and ammunition for Ukraine as part of the PURL initiative. In total, partners' contributions to cover the urgent needs of Ukrainian defense have already reached $2.82 billion.

At the end of October, Zelenskyy said that Ukraine may soon receive additional Mirage 2000 aircraft from France as the relevant decision has already been made.

Prior to this, on October 24, after a meeting of the Coalition of the Willing, French President Emmanuel Macron announced that France would provide Ukraine with additional Mirage fighter jets and Aster ammunition for SAMP/T air defense systems.