Zelenskyy holds hourlong call with Macron on air defense, Mirage pilot training
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy had a “very
substantive, hourlong conversation” with French President Emmanuel Macron,
according to Zelenskyy’s post on Telegram.
“We discussed the frontline situation and Ukraine’s most
urgent defense needs. I’m grateful to Emmanuel for his truly strategic vision
and his readiness to provide exactly what our soldiers require,” Zelenskyy said.
He added that the two leaders talked about bolstering
Ukraine’s air defenses, including missile deliveries for SAMP/T systems and
funding for interceptor drones.
“We will prepare joint decisions with France and other
partners at the level of defense and foreign ministers, aimed at new steps to
protect our people’s lives from Russian strikes,” the president emphasized.
Zelenskyy said they also agreed to begin training Ukrainian
pilots to fly Mirage fighter jets. According to him, France is ready to accept
more pilots for instruction on additional aircraft.
The leaders discussed working within the
coalition-of-the-willing framework and implementing the outcomes of their
recent meeting.
Zelenskyy added that he thanked France for its significant
contribution to shaping and advancing the EU’s 18th sanctions package.
“We’re also working closely with our American partners to
ensure Russia feels truly global pressure. Every day the war drags on must
bring Russia painful consequences. Emmanuel and I also coordinated our next
political steps,” he said.
On June 24, Zelenskyy met with Macron on the sidelines of
the NATO summit in The Hague. They discussed deliveries of Mirage jets and
investments in drone production.
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