In Paris, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy and First Lady Olena Zelenska attended France’s military parade marking Bastille Day. This year's parade was themed around Russia's aggression against Ukraine under the title "Europe's Strategic Awakening."
"It is an honor for us that Emmanuel invited our service members. It is a true recognition of Ukraine's strength and the strength of our Armed Forces. We thank our warriors. We thank our partners," Volodymyr Zelenskyy said.
The parade featured military equipment, aircraft, and helicopters. Among the participants were two pilots from the Ukrainian Air Force who flew Mirage 2000B fighter jets as part of joint French-Ukrainian crews.
Mounted cavalry, French service members, and troops from 35 Coalition of the Willing countries marched ceremonially down the Champs-Élysées, including 20 members of the Honor Guard Battalion of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
Bastille Day is France's national holiday, celebrated annually on July 14.
