President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and his French counterpart Emmanuel Macron signed a declaration of intent on cooperation at the Villacoublay air base near Paris during Zelenskyy's visit on Monday.
According to a broadcast by the Ukrainian President's office, the agreement concerns "acquisition of defence equipment by Ukraine with Kyiv placing a historic order for advanced Rafale jets.
The document enables Ukraine to procure military equipment from France’s defence industrial and technological base, including 100 Rafale F4 aircraft by 2035 for Ukraine’s combat aviation, SAMP/T air-defense systems, air-defense radars, air-to-air missiles, and aerial bombs.
In a post on X, Zelenskyy said "New aircraft, new reinforcements, new steps to strengthen our army and our country. I am deeply grateful to France, President @EmmanuelMacron and all the French people." while President Macron also in a post on X called it a "great day".
He also announed plans by both countries to co-produce interceptor drones, work on developing critical technolies and components that can be integrated into Ukrainian drones.
The Ukrainian President had arrived at the Villacoublay air base earlier where he was welcomed by Preisdent Macron before the signing of the agreement.
During his visit, Macron also inspected French ammunition at the air base incluing the Rafale jets which are seen as one of the most advanced in Europe.
Last week, the French President's office said in a statement that the two leaders will discuss bilateral cooperation in the "energy, economic, and defense fields," as well as progress in preparing security guarantees for Ukraine under the "Coalition of the Willing" framework.
Zelenskyy's ninth visit to France comes in the backdrop of escalating fighting between Kyiv and Moscow; Russia has continued to target Ukraine's energy system as Kyiv intensifies long range strikes deep into Russia.
Over the past forty-eight hours, Ukrainian officials have reported heavy bombardments, widespread drone attacks and some of the fiercest ground engagements in weeks.
According to Ukraine’s military, two hundred and sixty-five combat clashes have taken place since 15 November.
The heaviest pressure remains around Pokrovsk, where Ukrainian units say they have pushed back over one hundred assaults in recent days.
Ukrainian soldier’s daughter asks when he is coming home as war keeps families apart....
World leaders return to the United Nations headquarters in New York on Friday...
Finland and Sweden deployed fighter aircraft on Thursday after a group of Russian military planes was detected over the Gulf of Finland, the Finnis...
Shipping traffic through the Strait of Hormuz remained low on Thursday, as Iran reiterated that it will neither enter into new negotiations with the United States nor re-open the Strait as long as its conditions are not met, despite recent indirect talks in New York mediated by Qatar.
As the Ukraine war is highlighted by some leaders during the United Nations' 81st General Assembly meeting in New York, Russian forces attacked the Ukrainian capital Kyiv early on Thursday with ballistic missiles, killing two people and injuring six, Mayor Vitali Klitschko said.
The 81st UN General Assembly continues in New York on Wednesday, with another day of high-level speeches and diplomatic meetings. The wars in the Middle East and Ukraine, global security and international cooperation remain at the centre of discussions.
The 81st UN General Assembly has wrapped up its third day in New York on Thursday, with world leaders delivering high-level speeches and holding diplomatic meetings.
Saudi Arabia, Türkiye and Pakistan will hold an urgent high-level meeting under a joint defence pact to discuss ways to support the kingdom amid attacks by Yemen's Iran-aligned Houthis. The meeting comes as Tehran seeks to distance itself from the rapid advance of its Houthi allies.
Ukrainian soldier’s daughter asks when he is coming home as war keeps families apart.
World leaders return to the United Nations headquarters in New York on Friday for the fourth day of the high-level General Debate, with speeches and diplomatic meetings continuing throughout the day.
Finland and Sweden deployed fighter aircraft on Thursday after a group of Russian military planes was detected over the Gulf of Finland, the Finnish Air Force reported on Friday (25 September).
The Middle East arrived at the United Nations this week with the consequences of a war that is no longer contained to one front. From Israel and Iran to Syria and Yemen, leaders have used the General Assembly to set out competing positions on the situation in the region.
Here’s your AnewZ Daily Brief for 25 September 2026, with five key developments from the third day of the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York.
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