Zelenskyy in Paris to Discuss Rafale Fighter Jet Deal

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has arrived in France on an official visit. He was personally greeted at the Paris airport by French President Emmanuel Macron. The focus of the visit is on issues related to military cooperation, and it is expected that the parties will sign a number of important agreements.

According to Reuters, the meeting between Zelenskyy and Macron could end with the signing of a 10-year strategic agreement in the aviation sector. This agreement could include the supply of French-made Dassault Rafale multi-functional combat aircraft to Kyiv.

Sources note that this step is part of Ukraine's long-term plan to create an air fleet of 250 combat aircraft.

In addition to the fighter jets, it is also planned to sign agreements on the supply of additional SAMP/T anti-aircraft defense systems, missiles, as well as systems for combating unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). This visit and the expected agreements could significantly strengthen Ukraine's defense capabilities, especially in terms of controlling its airspace.