America News Agency

President Zelensky met with France’s Minister of the Armed Forces and Veterans Affairs, Catherine Vautrin, who is visiting Ukraine for the first time since her appointment.

Zelensky said the main focus of the talks was military assistance, strengthening Ukraine’s air defense with systems and missiles, and expanding Ukraine’s aviation with French Mirage and Rafale aircraft, adding: “The Mirage is an aircraft that is part of Ukraine’s air defense system and destroys the missiles Russia uses every day. We rely on support in this area.”

Zelensky provided information on the consequences of Russia’s attack on Ukraine last night. The sides exchanged views on what is needed for Ukraine’s defense and stability.

Catherine Vautrin assured that France’s support for Ukraine would continue. She highlighted productive work with Ukraine’s Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov, particularly on the modernization of radars supplied by France and the production of unmanned aerial vehicles.

The meeting also addressed sanctions policy against Russia. Zelensky noted that France took a bold step by detaining a tanker belonging to Russia’s shadow fleet.