In brief
Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky has announced a major military agreement with France, which includes the procurement of up to 100 Rafale F4 fighter jets and advanced air defense systems. The deal aims to bolster Ukraine's defenses against ongoing Russian aggression. Deliveries are expected to complete by 2035, with joint production of interceptor drones starting this year. The initiative underscores the urgency to improve Ukraine's military capabilities amid increased missile attacks from Russia.
Ukraine will receive up to 100 of France's Rafale F4 fighter jets as well as advanced air defence systems in a major deal to boost Kyiv's ability to protect itself against deadly Russian attacks.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky hailed the move as 'historic', after signing the letter of intent with his French counterpart Emmanuel Macron at an air base near Paris.
Deliveries of the Rafale F4s are planned to be completed by 2035, while the joint production of interceptor drones is starting this year.
Financial details are yet to be worked out, but reports say France plans to attract EU financing and also access frozen Russian assets - a controversial move that has split the 27-member bloc.
'This is a strategic agreement which will last for 10 years starting from the next year,' Zelensky said at a joint briefing with Macron on Monday.
Ukraine will also get 'very strong French radars', eight air defence systems and other advanced weaponry, he added.
Zelensky stressed that using such advanced systems 'means protecting someone's life... this is very important.'
Russia has in recent months increased its drone and missile attacks on Ukraine, targeting energy and rail infrastructure and causing massive blackouts across the country.
Dozens of civilians have been killed in the strikes, in what Kyiv and its Western allies describe as war crimes. In the latest overnight Russian missile attack, three people were killed and 15 injured in the north-eastern city of Balakliya, local officials said.
Speaking alongside Zelensky, Macron said: 'We're planning Rafales, 100 Rafales - that's huge. That's what's needed for the regeneration of the Ukrainian military.'
The French president added that he wanted to help Ukraine prepare for whatever was coming next.
These fighter jets are seen as crucial to protecting Ukraine's skies, because the country is almost powerless in preventing long-range air strikes on its border towns and cities.
While this announcement between Kyiv and Paris is sizeable, analysts point out that the effectiveness will depend on the timely delivery and the integration of associated missile systems.
After France, Zelensky will travel to Spain to seek further military and other support for Ukraine.
Russian President Vladimir Putin launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, and Moscow currently controls about 20% of Ukraine's territory.
