During a working visit to France, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with President of the French Republic Emmanuel Macron.
In the course of the negotiations in Paris, the heads of state signed the Agreement on security cooperation between Ukraine and France to further the G7 Vilnius Declaration adopted in July 2023.
"I would like to thank you, Emmanuel, for the fact that our agreements always work and always inspire. Ukraine and France know how to add strength together to our defense, to our nations, and to our entire Europe. We have prepared and signed an ambitious security agreement. Not all of its details can be discussed openly today. But this is something that truly confirms that this war that Putin has unleashed against Ukraine and the whole of Europe has no future. But there is a future for our nations, for our common security, for a just peace that everyone in Europe deserves," the President of Ukraine said during a meeting with media representatives following the talks with Emmanuel Macron in Paris.
According to Volodymyr Zelenskyy, the agreement between Ukraine and France provides for the allocation of €3 billion for defense this year, clear and principled support from Paris for Ukraine's full membership in NATO, sanctions against Russia for the war, and accountability for the Russian political leadership and all war criminals.
"In addition, we are bringing cooperation in the areas of information and cybersecurity, intelligence and counterintelligence, critical infrastructure protection and countering organized crime to a new level. Each of these elements is about the resilience of our states in protecting human lives," the President of Ukraine said.
Answering journalists' questions, the Head of State noted that each such bilateral agreement strengthens Ukraine, our warriors and our people.
He stated that each country with which Ukraine has signed bilateral documents – the UK, Germany, and France – are true leaders in the world's security and leaders in protecting Ukraine.
"It is important for us that the people of our countries see this. And it is very important for aggressive, hostile Russia to see that Ukraine is not alone and that the truly powerful countries of the world, with powerful economies and real values, do not abandon Ukraine, which is fighting hard for our freedom and for the values of these countries," Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasized.
During the meeting, the two leaders discussed the situation on the battlefield in Ukraine, the needs of the Ukrainian army, prospects and opportunities.
"We regularly and meaningfully exchange views on the course of the war. And I am grateful to France and Mr. President for all the extremely targeted and powerful military assistance we receive. Today we have another defense package. It is exactly what we need. Artillery ammunition, cannons – effective Caesar systems, additional air defense reinforcement. This is an absolutely worthy response to Putin's attempts to increase pressure on our positions by taking advantage of supply problems from some partners. France is really helping. Thank you," the Head of State said.
The President emphasized the importance of launching cooperation between Ukraine and France in the field of defense production, which envisages localization and joint production of weapons, as well as the transfer of certain innovative technologies from France to Ukraine.
"Today we have discussed in detail the joint production of drones and electronic warfare. This is extremely important. And each of our achievements will work for the common good of our nations," he said.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy also emphasized that the President of the Russian Federation has now become one of the bloodiest dictators in European history and called on all leaders in the world who value life to work together to establish justice.
French President Emmanuel Macron, for his part, noted that French assistance is aimed at strengthening Ukraine's defense capabilities. According to him, the bilateral agreement on security cooperation will remain in force until Ukraine joins NATO.
"France plans to continue supporting Ukraine in terms of military equipment supplies, defense industry cooperation, training, intelligence, and assistance to the civilian sector. We are ready to enhance our defense industrial and technological base for the benefit of European defense," he said.
In addition, Emmanuel Macron endorsed the idea of issuing Eurobonds to mobilize the defense industry.
"We are determined to support you. We will stand shoulder to shoulder and we are convinced that by acting together, we are protecting not only Ukraine, but also what unites us – our values. France will stand by your side today and tomorrow. I assure you of our support, which will last for as long as it takes," the French President said, addressing Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
