Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has arrived in Paris for a critical diplomatic mission, aiming to secure advanced air defence capabilities for his nation. This marks his ninth visit to France since the full-scale Russian invasion began in 2022, underscoring the urgency of his country's military needs.
A Critical Plea for Air Defence Systems
The centrepiece of President Zelensky's discussions with French leader Emmanuel Macron is the acquisition of sophisticated weaponry to counter relentless Russian missile and drone attacks. The French presidency has confirmed that Macron will put French excellence in the armaments industry field at the service of the defence of Ukraine.
This visit is part of a swift tour of Western allies for the Ukrainian leader. Before arriving in France, he sealed an energy agreement with Greece on Sunday, and his itinerary includes a stop in Spain on Tuesday.
Zelensky has already hinted at a significant development, stating that a major deal with France will be announced soon. While it is unclear if this agreement will be finalised during the current talks, the anticipation points towards a potentially historic arms pact.
Showcasing French Military Technology
The two presidents commenced their meeting at the Villacoublay air base near Paris for a detailed presentation of France's premier Rafale fighter jet. Their agenda also included examinations of advanced drone technology and the SAMP-T surface-to-air missile system, a powerful defence platform developed jointly by France and Italy.
Ukraine's quest to bolster its air force is a multi-pronged effort. Last month, President Zelensky signed a letter of intent for the potential purchase of up to 150 Swedish Gripen fighter jets. Furthermore, France has already promised more of its Aster missiles, which are compatible with the SAMP-T system or can be launched from aircraft.
Ukraine currently operates one SAMP-T unit, effective against fighter jets, cruise missiles, and tactical ballistic missiles. A new-generation, more potent version of this system is expected to be available from 2027.
Expanding Cooperation Beyond Weapons
The leaders' schedule extended beyond immediate weapon acquisitions. They participated in a forum at the Elysee palace focused on the joint production of drones. This is a strategic area for Ukraine, which has stated it plans to deploy more than 4.5 million drones this year for both offensive operations and defensive counter-measures against Russian drones.
In a significant move, Presidents Zelensky and Macron also visited the headquarters of a planned multinational force for Ukraine. Organised by France and Britain, this coalition of the willing has seen officers from 34 countries, plus Ukraine, preparing for a potential international deployment following a future ceasefire.
This diplomatic push comes at a challenging time for President Zelensky's government, which is contending with a new corruption scandal involving its energy firms. As Ukraine continues its campaign for European Union membership, allies like France have emphasised the need for extraordinarily vigilant governance.
