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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Following a high-level meeting of the Communist Party leadership on Monday, state media confirmed that China will seek to insulate its economy from external volatility by turning inward, pledging to "keep expanding domestic demand" through a suite of "more proactive" policies.
Hong Kong's election on Sunday (7 December) saw a near-record-low turnout after the city's worst fire in nearly 80 years prompted anger against its China-backed authorities, but voter participation edged higher than in the previous vote four years ago.
Russia has welcomed U.S. President Donald Trump’s new National Security Strategy, calling it largely consistent with Moscow’s own vision, as Washington pushes forward with efforts to broker an end to the war in Ukraine.
Thailand launched air strikes along its disputed border with Cambodia on Monday after fresh fighting erupted before dawn on Monday, raising fears of the collapse of a peace plan brokered just months ago by U.S. President Donald Trump.
A coup attempt by a “small group of soldiers” has been foiled in Benin after hours of gunfire struck parts of the economic capital Cotonou, officials said on Sunday.
A delayed local vote in the rural Honduran town of San Antonio de Flores has become a pivotal moment in the country’s tightest presidential contest, with both campaigns watching its results as counting stretches into a second week.
FIFA releases the 2026 World Cup schedule with match dates, venues, and key fixtures. See when host nations USA, Mexico, and Canada play and get an overview of group stage and knockout rounds.
Lava fountains shot from Hawaii’s Kīlauea volcano from dawn to dusk on Saturday, with new footage showing intensifying activity at the north vent.
McLaren’s Lando Norris became Formula One world champion for the first time in Abu Dhabi, edging Max Verstappen to the title by just two points after a tense season finale.
Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief: here are the top news stories for the 8th of December, covering the latest developments you need to know.
Hong Kong's election on Sunday (7 December) saw a near-record-low turnout after the city's worst fire in nearly 80 years prompted anger against its China-backed authorities, but voter participation edged higher than in the previous vote four years ago.
Australia is poised to launch the world’s strictest crackdown on youth internet usage, turning the country into a global petri dish for digital regulation just as schools break up for the long summer holidays.
Russia has welcomed U.S. President Donald Trump’s new National Security Strategy, calling it largely consistent with Moscow’s own vision, as Washington pushes forward with efforts to broker an end to the war in Ukraine.
Thailand launched air strikes along its disputed border with Cambodia on Monday after fresh fighting erupted before dawn on Monday, raising fears of the collapse of a peace plan brokered just months ago by U.S. President Donald Trump.
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