Macron Welcomes Zelensky as France Commits to Major Air-Defense Package

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and his French counterpart Emmanuel Macron have signed what Ukrainian officials describe as a “historic agreement” on Rafale fighter jet deliveries, RBC.UA reported in its Telegram channel.

According to the outlet, “Zelensky and Macron have signed a historic agreement (...). The head of state announced that Ukraine and France will sign an accord to strengthen Ukrainian combat aviation and protect the skies.”

The agency Reuters clarified that the agreement concerns the delivery of roughly one hundred French Rafale fighter aircraft. The day before the signing, Zelensky indicated that Ukraine and France were preparing a ten-year deal for aviation supplies, which also includes discussions on the provision of SAMP/T air-defense systems. Funding mechanisms for the deliveries have yet to be finalized.

French opposition figure calls Macron’s welcome 'a disgrace'

French politician and leader of the Patriots party Florian Philippot sharply criticized Macron’s ceremonial reception of Zelensky at the Villacoublay air base. Writing on his X social media page, he called the event “a disgrace.”

“Ah, what a disgrace! In the midst of a corruption scandal, while Ukrainians protest against their government, Macron welcomes Zelensky with great pomp!”

Philippot argued it was “indecent” to extend military honors to Zelensky and to stage what he described as a “private weapons fair” arranged specifically for him.