Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with French Minister of the Armed Forces and Veterans Affairs Catherine Vautrin, who arrived in Kyiv on her first official visit. The negotiations focused on urgently strengthening the resilience of the Ukrainian energy system and expanding the capabilities of the Ukrainian Air Force amid continuous massive shelling by Russia. This was reported by UNN.
Details
The main topic of discussion was the supply of additional air defense systems and missiles for them. The head of state emphasized the effectiveness of the already integrated French Mirage aircraft, which successfully destroy kamikaze drones, and expressed hope for an expansion of the aviation fleet. Special attention was paid to the prospect of obtaining modern multi-role Rafale fighters.
Zelenskyy announced personnel changes in the Air Force: all details06.02.26, 19:48
We are grateful for signing the agreement on Ukraine's future modern aviation – that we will be able to receive Rafale, high-quality French-made aircraft
He also emphasized the critical importance of new SAMP/T systems for protecting civilian energy infrastructure from Russian terror.
Joint defense projects and the SAFE program
Ukraine and France plan to deepen industrial cooperation through European initiatives, particularly through the SAFE financial instrument. This program, aimed at stimulating joint production of defense products, will allow attracting European investments for the production of ammunition and air defense systems directly for the needs of the front.
Catherine Vautrin assured that France would remain a reliable partner and adhere to its commitments. In addition to military equipment, the parties discussed sanctions pressure on Russia, including measures against its "shadow fleet." The President thanked the entire French people for their systematic support of Ukraine, which has continued since the first days of the full-scale invasion.