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.
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