Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Monday that he had signed a deal with France to supply 100 Rafale fighter jets to strengthen Ukraine's military capabilities in the long term, Reuters reported, BTA reported.
Zelensky is visiting Paris for talks with French President Emmanuel Macron amid an increase in Russian drone and missile attacks on Ukraine in recent weeks, as well as reports from Moscow that Russian forces are advancing in the southeastern Zaporizhia region.
Zelensky told French channel "TEF 1" that he had ordered 100 Rafale fighter jets, the television reported. The Elysee Palace confirmed the number of aircraft, but did not specify whether the fighters were being transferred from French stocks or purchased.
Television footage showed Macron and Zelensky signing a letter of intent to purchase (in the words of the Elysee Palace) "French defense equipment." The two stood in front of a Rafale fighter jet during the signing at the airport at the Villacoublay air base. and behind them are the Ukrainian and French flags.
"This will be the best air defense, one of the best in the world," Zelensky said.
Negotiations have been underway for weeks to decide how France could provide more military aid to Ukraine, although at the same time Macron's government faces political and budgetary challenges, raising the question of what France could actually do, Reuters notes.
Last month Macron promised to offer more "Mirage" fighters. He initially promised to deliver six planes and new "Aster 30" surface-to-air missiles, manufactured by the European company MBDA.
At a press conference before Zelensky's visit, Macron's press service said the goal was to "use French superiority in the arms industry to help Ukraine's defense" and "to enable it to acquire the systems it needs to respond to Russian aggression".