Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky arrived in Paris on Monday as part of a renewed push to obtain more military support from Western allies, especially advanced air-defence systems needed to counter increasingly deadly Russian missile and drone attacks.
His stop in France follows a quick diplomatic tour that included Greece, where he sealed a new energy agreement on Sunday, and will continue in Spain on Tuesday. Zelensky had earlier hinted that “a major deal with France” was underway, though it remains uncertain whether the agreement will be finalised during his meeting with President Emmanuel Macron.
According to the French presidency, Macron aims to “put French excellence in the armaments industry field at the service of the defence of Ukraine.” France is expected to outline new options that would allow Kyiv “to acquire the systems that it needs to answer Russian aggression,” with a particular focus on strengthening air defence capabilities.
Air defence remains the biggest concern for Ukraine, especially after Friday’s deadly Russian strikes on Kyiv. Zelensky has repeatedly appealed to Western nations for more anti-missile systems and modern technology to protect civilians and troops.
The day’s schedule for Zelensky and Macron begins at the Villacoublay air base near Paris, where France will showcase its Rafale fighter jet. Both leaders will also inspect combat drones and the SAMP-T surface-to-air missile system jointly developed by France and Italy.
Ukraine currently possesses one SAMP-T system, a defence platform capable of shooting down jets, cruise missiles, and tactical ballistic missiles. A more advanced version is expected to become available in 2027. Kyiv is also moving to expand its air fleet, with Zelensky recently signing a letter of intent to purchase up to 150 Swedish Gripen fighters in the future.
France has previously pledged more Aster missiles, compatible with the SAMP-T system and fighter aircraft. Zelensky confirmed in a video released Friday that both countries are working on “deliveries of other advanced air-defence systems and strengthening our aviation, a major deal with France is in preparation and will be finalised soon, a historic agreement.”
Following their military discussions, Zelensky and Macron will head to the Elysee Palace for a forum on joint drone production. Ukraine plans to deploy more than 4.5 million drones this year, both for offensive operations on the front lines and to counter incoming Russian drones.
The two leaders will also visit the headquarters of a planned multinational force at Mont Valerien, west of Paris. France and Britain are coordinating this structure in anticipation of any potential international peacekeeping deployment after a ceasefire. Officers from 34 nations, along with Ukraine, have already joined the “coalition of the willing.”
Zelensky’s ninth trip to France since Russia’s 2022 invasion comes at a delicate moment for his administration, which is confronting a new corruption scandal involving Ukrainian energy companies. In an interview on Saturday, France’s Europe Minister Benjamin Haddad warned that the international community must remain “extraordinarily vigilant” about corruption as Ukraine continues its bid to join the European Union.
What You Should Know
Zelensky’s Paris visit highlights Ukraine’s urgent demand for modern air-defence systems as Russian strikes grow deadlier.
France is preparing a significant defence package that could include missiles, drones, and expanded aviation support.
The visit also underscores Europe’s longer-term planning for post-war stabilisation, including a possible multinational force. At the same time, Kyiv faces pressure to address internal corruption as it pushes for EU membership.
