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.
The Kremlin stated on Monday that it hoped another summit between Russian President Vladimir Putin and U.S. President Donald Trump could take place on...
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and his French counterpart Emmanuel Macron signed a declaration of intent on cooperation at the Villacoublay air base ne...
A Bangladesh court sentenced ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to death on Monday, concluding a months-long trial that found her guilty of ordering ...
India's National Investigation Agency (NIA) said on Sunday it had arrested Amir Rashid Ali in Delhi, accusing him of conspiring with the driver of a c...
Around 50 tourism companies attended the "China Visitors Summit" in Baku on Sunday (17 November). The event, organised by the State Tourism Agency, wa...
A Bangladesh court sentenced ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to death on Monday, concluding a months-long trial that found her guilty of ordering a deadly crackdown on a student-led uprising last year.
Around 50 tourism companies attended the "China Visitors Summit" in Baku on Sunday (17 November). The event, organised by the State Tourism Agency, was the first time it was held in Azerbaijan's capital, and brought together representatives from the tourism industries from both countries.
The UK has announced its most extensive asylum reforms in decades, replacing automatic routes to permanent settlement with temporary protection reviewed every 30 months.
Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief: here are the top news stories for the 17th of November, covering the latest developments you need to know.
Ukraine is facing a sharp escalation in fighting across several fronts, with Russian forces launching large-scale offensive operations while Kyiv intensifies long-range strikes deep inside Russian territory.
Russia announced on Sunday that its forces had made significant advances in Ukraine’s southeastern Zaporizhzhia region, capturing two settlements as part of what it described as a broader offensive aimed at securing full control of the strategic territory.
Storm Claudia, which brought violent weather to Portugal, has resulted in the deaths of three people and left dozens injured, authorities reported on Saturday. Meanwhile, in Britain, rescue teams were organising evacuations due to heavy flooding in Wales and England.
U.S. President Donald Trump purchased at least $82 million in corporate and municipal bonds between late August and early October, including new investments in sectors benefiting from his policies, according to financial disclosures made public on Saturday.
Japan urged China on Saturday to take "appropriate measures" after Beijing issued a warning to its citizens against travelling to Japan, amid an ongoing dispute over Taiwan.
The Kremlin stated on Monday that it hoped another summit between Russian President Vladimir Putin and U.S. President Donald Trump could take place once the necessary preparations had been completed.
A Bangladesh court sentenced ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to death on Monday, concluding a months-long trial that found her guilty of ordering a deadly crackdown on a student-led uprising last year.
India's National Investigation Agency (NIA) said on Sunday it had arrested Amir Rashid Ali in Delhi, accusing him of conspiring with the driver of a car that exploded near the Red Fort last week, killing eight people and injuring at least 20 others on 10 November.
Around 50 tourism companies attended the "China Visitors Summit" in Baku on Sunday (17 November). The event, organised by the State Tourism Agency, was the first time it was held in Azerbaijan's capital, and brought together representatives from the tourism industries from both countries.
The UK has announced its most extensive asylum reforms in decades, replacing automatic routes to permanent settlement with temporary protection reviewed every 30 months.
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