Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is in France as part of a brief tour of Western allies, following an energy deal with Greece on Sunday and ahead of a scheduled visit to Spain on Tuesday.
Zelensky has indicated that “a major deal with France” will be announced soon, though it remains unclear if it will be finalised during his talks with President Emmanuel Macron. The French presidency said Macron would leverage the country’s armaments expertise to support Ukraine’s defence and propose ways for Kyiv “to acquire the systems that it needs to answer Russian aggression,” highlighting air defence capabilities.
On Saturday, Zelensky renewed appeals for more anti-missile systems following deadly Russian strikes on Kyiv. On Monday, he and Macron are scheduled to visit Villacoublay air base near Paris to review France’s Rafale fighter jets, drones, and the SAMP-T surface-to-air missile system, co-developed with Italy. Ukraine has previously signed a letter of intent to purchase up to 150 Swedish Gripen fighters and currently operates a SAMP-T capable of countering fighter jets, cruise missiles, and tactical ballistic missiles. A new, more powerful SAMP-T system is expected from 2027.
France has also pledged additional Aster missiles for Ukraine, which can be launched from SAMP-T systems or aircraft. “We are also working on deliveries of other advanced air-defence systems and strengthening our aviation — a major deal with France is in preparation and will be finalised soon — a historic agreement,” Zelensky said in a video released Friday.
Following the base visit, the two leaders will attend a forum at the Elysee Palace on joint drone production. Ukraine has stated plans to deploy more than 4.5 million drones this year for frontline operations and countering Russian drones.
Zelensky and Macron will also visit the headquarters of a Ukrainian multinational force being prepared by France and Britain in the event of an international deployment after a ceasefire. Located at Mont Valerien near Paris, the headquarters hosts officers from the “coalition of the willing,” with 34 countries and Ukraine already pledging participation.
This marks Zelensky’s ninth visit to France since Russia’s invasion in 2022, coming amid a new Ukrainian corruption scandal involving state energy firms. France’s Europe Minister Benjamin Haddad stressed the need for vigilance against corruption as Ukraine pursues EU membership.
