Zelensky meets with French armed forces minister to discuss joint weapons production

Ukraine's leader Volodymyr Zelensky has held a meeting with French Minister of the Armed Forces Sébastien Lecornu and discussed further steps to strengthen the defense capability, particularly the possibility of joint production of weapons, the press service reports.

Zelenskyy also noted the effectiveness of military assistance provided by France, including SAMP/T anti-aircraft missile systems, Caesar self-propelled artillery systems, and SCALP-EG long-range missiles.

Zelensky noted France's comprehensive assistance to Ukraine, thanking President Emmanuel Macron's personal role in supporting international initiatives and making decisions to strengthen the Ukrainian forces.

The parties paid special attention to strengthening Ukraine's air defense, which is especially important in the run-up to the winter.

Zelensky also presented his counterpart with the Order of Merit for his significant personal contribution to strengthening interstate cooperation and supporting Ukraine's state sovereignty.

Previously, NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg arrived in Kyiv on September 28 to discuss further cooperation and strengthening air defenses for Ukraine.

Both leaders discussed supplying additional air defense systems to protect against Russian attacks on critical infrastructure facilities.

Regarding Ukraine acquiring NATO membership, Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky said, "it is only a matter of time" before Ukraine becomes a de jure member of the Alliance during his talks with Jens Stoltenberg.