Conflict in Ukraine - France offers additional support to Ukraine by promising Mirage fighter jets.
Emmanuel Macron, the President of France, has pledged to provide Ukraine with Mirage fighter jets. During a television interview in Caen on Thursday night, Macron didn't disclose the exact number of Mirage 2000-5 aircraft France will provide to the nation under attack by Russia. He's currently in talks with allies to form a coalition.
In the interview, Macron explained that the Mirage jets enable Ukraine to safeguard its territory and airspace. Ukrainian pilots are expected to learn how to operate these jets in France before the end of the year. He also revealed his plan to train Ukrainian pilots starting in the summer. Furthermore, a brigade of 4,500 Ukrainian soldiers will receive training.
When asked about France sending military trainers to Ukraine, Macron danced around the question, stating that they do want training, and it wouldn't escalate the situation. He emphasized that they're collaborating with partners to make a decision at this moment. Also, Macron clarified that it's not about training in combat zones.
Macron had previously mentioned he would be very specific about sending French military trainers to Ukraine during Selenskyj's visit to France, and said he would "clearly state what we will do."
On the following Friday, Macron will welcome Selenskyj at the Elysee Palace in Paris, and he'll also meet with French Defense Minister Sebastien Lecornu. Multiple agreements are anticipated to be finalized during this meeting.
To help Ukraine rebuild their infrastructure, France intends on committing 650 million euros in loans and donations. KNDS, a Franco-German defense company, plans to establish a branch in Ukraine.
The Mirage jets France plans to give to Ukraine are outdated; they're being phased out in favor of more modern Rafale jets. The Mirage fighter jet started production in the early 1980s, and since then there have been numerous versions of the aircraft. The Mirage 2000-5, which will be given to Ukraine, was once hailed as one of the best multi-role combat aircraft of the 1990s.
Read also:
- Emmanuel Macron, the President of France, announced plans to provide Ukraine with outdated Mirage fighter jets as additional support during a TV interview in Caen.
- During his visit to France, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Selensky will meet with Emmanuel Macron at the Elysee Palace in Paris and also discuss defense matters with French Defense Minister Sebastien Lecornu.
- Russia is currently under attack by Ukraine, and France, along with its allies, is engaging in talks to form a coalition, with Macron promising to provide Mirage jets to Ukraine to help safeguard its territory and airspace.
- To strengthen Ukraine's defense capabilities, KNDS, a Franco-German defense company, has plans to establish a branch in the nation, while France intends to commit 650 million euros in loans and donations to help rebuild Ukraine's infrastructure.
