Paris, November 17, 2025 – The Europe Today: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky met French President Emmanuel Macron on Monday at the Villacoublay Air Base near Paris, where the two leaders signed a landmark letter of intent enabling Kyiv to acquire advanced French air defence systems—including up to 100 Rafale fighter jets, France’s premier combat aircraft.
President Macron announced that the agreement, described as “historic” for bilateral defence cooperation, will allow Ukraine to purchase Rafale jets with associated weapons, as well as access to next-generation SAMP-T air defence systems currently under development. The accord also includes provisions for radar systems and drones aimed at strengthening Ukraine’s defensive capabilities amid ongoing Russian aggression.
Macron said the deal demonstrates France’s determination to support Ukraine in the face of “unacceptable attacks by Russia” and what he termed Moscow’s “addiction to war.” He stressed that the agreement places “France’s industrial and technological excellence at the service of Ukraine and therefore of Europe.”
Zelensky welcomed the accord, noting its strategic significance and potential to create industrial jobs in Ukraine. He said Kyiv may even consider future co-production of Rafale aircraft. According to the French presidency, the letter of intent is not a formal contract, and its implementation is expected over a period of around 10 years.
The Ukrainian president signed a similar letter of intent last month to purchase 100 to 150 Swedish Gripen fighter jets, reflecting Kyiv’s broader effort to modernize and diversify its air fleet. While France has previously supplied Mirage fighter jets to Kyiv, the Rafale—long regarded as a symbol of French military engineering—has not been part of prior transfer discussions.
Zelensky’s visit comes at a challenging time for Ukraine, marked by intensifying Russian military pressure and a domestic corruption scandal that led to the dismissal of two ministers. Russian strikes over the past week have killed civilians in Kyiv and the eastern Kharkiv region, with analysts warning of a difficult winter ahead.
During the joint press conference, Macron expressed confidence in Zelensky’s commitment to combating corruption, noting that reforms in governance and rule of law remain essential as Ukraine advances toward European Union membership. He added that the EU must continue offering financial support to Kyiv.
Earlier in the day, Macron and Zelensky visited the headquarters of a planned multinational force at Mont Valérien, where France and the United Kingdom are coordinating a “coalition of the willing” comprising around 30 countries. The coalition aims to prepare for the deployment of troops and assets in Ukraine—or along its western borders—once a peace agreement is reached.
The initiative seeks to ensure long-term military and economic assistance for Ukraine, strengthening its capacity to deter future Russian aggression and maintain stability in the region.
