In Paris, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy held a meeting with President of France Emmanuel Macron to discuss the situation in the Middle East, strengthening sanctions against Russia, and increasing support for Ukraine.
“I am grateful for this visit, for all of France’s support for Ukraine and for Ukrainians, and for your personal support, Emmanuel. We in Ukraine know all this and value it greatly. We also value the fact that we can always coordinate with France and stand together on many issues – that is so important, especially during wartime,” Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasized.
The presidents discussed security in Ukraine, across Europe, and globally in light of the situation in the Middle East and the Gulf region. Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed condolences over the death of a French serviceman in Iraq as a result of an Iranian strike the day before.
“Opinions may vary regarding this U.S. campaign against the Iranian regime, but it is hard for anyone to argue with the fact that the regime in Iran is terrorist in nature, and the entire region – and Iran itself – certainly needs far greater respect for life and stronger protection of life, first and foremost from this regime in Iran,” the Head of State emphasized.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy noted that Ukraine can contribute to stabilizing the situation, and that more than ten countries have already approached Ukraine for support in defending against Iranian “shaheds.”
“It is not enough simply to obtain interceptors somewhere – there must also be experience in using them. Our warriors have such experience. There must also be proper systemic work with radars and with the entire air defense system. Ukraine is ready to share this experience for the security of those partners who are helping us,” Volodymyr Zelenskyy noted.
In addition to all these issues and coordination of actions, the leaders also discussed defense support for Ukraine. Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasized that Emmanuel Macron is fully informed about all aspects of the situation on the frontline. The presidents devoted significant attention to joint defense production, bilateral projects, and the implementation of the SAFE instrument.
“Ukraine is grateful for France’s defense support throughout all these years, and today we identified steps and specific decisions that can deliver strong results. This concerns both air defense and combat aviation,” the Head of State added.
The presidents also discussed cooperation between Ukraine and France at the European Union level and within the Coalition of the Willing. The Head of State emphasized that France’s leadership can play a decisive role in Ukraine’s accession to the European Union. Emmanuel Macron noted that Ukraine deserves the opening of the first negotiating clusters for accession to the European Union.
Particular attention was also paid to increasing pressure on Russia and unblocking the European Union’s 20th sanctions package.
“We must strengthen pressure on Russia. We are determined to do so in order to force it to sit down at the negotiating table in good faith. We are currently preparing the 20th sanctions package. Much has already been done. We are also fighting sanctions circumvention. In particular, France intends to continue playing a leading role in the fight against the tanker fleet. We are already seeing concrete results,” the President of France noted.
The President of Ukraine emphasized that the U.S. decision to partially ease sanctions on Russian oil could provide Russia with about 10 billion dollars for the war.
“The European Union’s resolve, and that of other partners around the world, must remain firm – it must work in a way that leaves Russia with no illusions. Russia must end this war. And I am grateful to everyone who is helping us in this effort,” Volodymyr Zelenskyy stressed.
Separately, the Head of State emphasized that support for the €90 billion package for Ukraine over the next two years is crucial. Emmanuel Macron assured that France would make efforts to unblock this decision.
“Now, ahead of the European leaders’ meeting in Brussels next week, we are coordinating our positions to secure the unblocking of these funds. At a time when Russia is effectively gaining additional resources due to yet another wave of destabilization, Ukraine must receive what Europe has already decided on,” Volodymyr Zelenskyy concluded.
