(Adnkronos) – Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky was in Paris today to formalize an agreement with France on air defense. The main goal is to enhance the long-term strategic capabilities of the Ukrainian Armed Forces to counter Russian aggression.
The talks between Zelensky and French President Emmanuel Macron came amid an increase in Russian drone and missile attacks against Ukraine in recent weeks, along with reports of major land advances by Moscow in the southeastern region of Zaporizhzhia.
The visit – the Elysée underlined – will serve to “reaffirm France’s commitment to Ukraine”. The day will start at Villacoublay military air base, southwest of the capital.
It is about “putting France’s superiority in the arms industry at the service of Ukraine’s defense”, explained the French presidency, and “enabling the acquisition of the systems necessary to respond to Russian aggression”, with particular reference to “the defense of Ukraine’s skies”. The Ukrainian head of state said that “important agreements are under preparation”.
Today is the Ukrainian President’s ninth visit to France since the war began in February 2022. Before leaving for France, Zelensky landed in Athens yesterday, as part of a tour of Europe to discuss defense and energy. Tomorrow, Ukraine’s head of state will travel to Madrid, Spain, where he will meet with representatives of the Spanish Parliament.
After the Villacoublay military base, the two leaders will visit the headquarters of the “Ukrainian multinational force”, troops that Paris and London are preparing to deploy as part of a ceasefire agreement and “security guarantees” to be given to Kiev.
Zelensky will continue his visit to Paris by holding a joint press conference with Macron at the Elysée Palace. The two heads of state will then meet privately at a luncheon. After lunch, they will take part in a drone eradication forum.
Announcements of new aid or cooperation in the field of arms are possible. “The protracted war and the absence of a ceasefire underlines the need to do everything possible to enable Ukraine to defend itself and thereby give it a new impetus,” said adviser Emmanuel Macron, quoted by AFP.
Three people were killed and 10 others injured in a missile attack launched by Russia on the town of Balakliia in the Kharkiv region of eastern Ukraine. This was reported by local military officials, who said that among the injured were three minors.
Moscow’s air defense forces said they shot down 36 Ukrainian drones overnight in seven Russian regions. This was reported by the Moscow Ministry of Defense.
