Ukraine is grateful to France and the French people for their courage and leadership. This was stated by President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy at a joint press conference with President of France Emmanuel Macron.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy noted that France supports our defenders on the front line, the protection of Ukrainian cities from Russian attacks, and the global pressure on Russia for this unjust war.
In particular, the President praised the agreement on opening an office of the French company KNDS in Ukraine, with which 155-caliber artillery ammunition will be produced in Ukraine.
The leaders discussed the situation on the battlefield, Russian attempts to expand the war and the possibility of countering them. Volodymyr Zelenskyy thanked France for a new powerful defense package and a significant step towards the ability to destroy weapons and positions of the Russians which they use to target Ukrainian cities, including Kharkiv.
“These are the bold anti-terrorist steps that are needed in the future – it is Putin who must feel that his capabilities are limited, not those who are defending their lives from his attacks,” the President said.
The two leaders also discussed preparations for the Global Peace Summit in Switzerland, which will be attended by Emmanuel Macron, and France's participation in the implementation of the Ukrainian Peace Formula, in particular, the point on radiation and nuclear safety.
President of France Emmanuel Macron announced the supply of the first series of Mirage 2000 aircraft to Ukraine and the start of pilot and engineer training for the fighter jets.
"We cannot allow Russia to impose its own limits, its own red lines on our military cooperation, because Ukraine has a legitimate right for defense. That is why our support will continue in all areas and sectors,” he stressed.
In addition, Emmanuel Macron assured that France will support Ukraine at the EU level, so that our country can receive a decision on the start of negotiations by the end of the month, and at the NATO level during the summit in Washington.
"Russia has deliberately redrawn its borders, intensified its hybrid war against our European continent, against security, against our democracies, so when it comes to Ukraine's security, it is about our own security. And I want to assure you that France will be a reliable partner. Ukrainians can count on our support in the long term,” he summarized.
