Zelenskyy seeks additional military assistance for his nation in Paris.
"The signs of aggression are spreading towards the Baltic countries, Poland, and the Balkans," said Zelenskyy. He warned that the Russian authorities would "disrupt the peace in Europe somehow." Putin is relying on "weapons from the past century," such as seaborne blockades and the massive abduction of kids to indoctrinate them, added the Ukrainian president.
Zelenskyy asked for continued support to safeguard his nation. "We can't be alone," he stressed. Sufficient, efficient, and long-term assistance is crucial for Ukraine's security.
The Ukrainian president stated that the fighter jets flown by Ukrainian pilots will demonstrate Europe's strength against the threatening forces. "Europe's security relies on Ukraine's role," he added.
On the previous day, French President Emmanuel Macron announced that France would gift an unnamed number of Mirage 2000-5 fighter jets to Ukraine and train Ukrainian pilots in France.
In response, the Russian leadership tagged Macron's recent remarks on the Ukraine war as instigating the conflict. "Macron is showing his unwavering support for the Kiev regime and preparing for direct French military engagement," said Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov to Russian media on Friday during the international economic forum in St. Petersburg.
Peskov described Macron's statements as "extremely disruptive." "These statements increase tensions in Europe and lead to no positive outcomes," he added.
Ukrainian President Zelenskyy, while speaking with French MPs, expressed hope for a peaceful resolution to the war, referring to the planned peace conference in Switzerland, where Macron and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz (SPD) would attend. The conference "may end the conflict," Zelenskyy stated.
Zelenskyy later visited the French Ministry of Defense, where KNDS signed an agreement for the proposed production plant in Ukraine. Specific financial details and production details were not disclosed at the time.
Previously, in March, a meeting between German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius (SPD) and his French counterpart, Sebastien Lecornu, discussed this plan. It was also announced that 155mm shells would be manufactured in Ukraine under license. The French Ministry of Defense unveiled plans for a maintenance and repair center for French Caesar howitzers and a facility with 3D printers producing spare parts.
Zelenskyy had been invited to the 80th anniversary of the Allied landing in Normandy the day before. He met with US President Joe Biden in the evening at a Paris hotel. At 5:30 p.m., he was scheduled to meet with French President Emmanuel Macron at the Elysee Palace.
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- Zelenskyy expressed appreciation for France's commitment to providing fighter jets and training, stating, "Europe's security relies on Ukraine's role."
- During his visit to the French Ministry of Defense, Zelenskyy and KNDS signed an agreement for a proposed production plant in Ukraine, contributing to Ukraine's self-sufficiency in defense.
- In a discussion with French MPs, Zelenskyy expressed hope for a peaceful resolution to the war, commemorating the planned peace conference in Switzerland, attended by Macron and Scholz.
- Macron's pledge of Mirage 2000-5 fighter jets to Ukraine for defense purposes has been met with criticism from the Russian leadership, with Peskov labeling it as instigating the conflict.
- As Zelenskyy visited the 80th anniversary of the Allied landing in Normandy, he emphasized the importance of international cooperation and unity, even as tensions in Ukraine continue.
- The Russian authorities, under Putin's leadership, have shown increasing aggression towards neighboring countries, including the Baltics, Poland, and the Balkans, potentially sparking future conflicts in Europe.
- The Ukrainian President, Volodymyr Selenskyy, is seeking additional military assistance from European allies, such as France, in his efforts to defend his nation against these threats and maintain peace in Europe.
