Zelensky and Macron discuss Ukraine's defense needs and security agreement via phone call
Photo: Office of the President
The President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelensky, had a telephone conversation with the President of the French Republic, Emmanuel Macron.
The Office of the President reported that.
Volodymyr Zelensky conveyed his condolences to the relatives and friends of the French humanitarian workers who died in the Russian attack on the Kherson region and wished the wounded a speedy recovery.
The head of the Ukrainian state thanked France for its unwavering support both at President Emmanuel Macron's administration level and at the French society level. The leaders of the two states discussed the current situation on the battlefield and Ukraine's defense needs, including drones, artillery systems and shells, electronic warfare, and air defense systems of various types, both portable and long-range.
The President of Ukraine highly praised the initiation by France and the United States of the "Artillery Coalition," within the framework of which Paris will transfer dozens of Caesar artillery systems and shells to Ukraine.
The heads of state also discussed preparing a bilateral document on security guarantees within the G7 Vilnius Declaration.
According to Volodymyr Zelensky, the active preparation of bilateral security agreements by leading European countries demonstrates Europe's leadership, motivates Ukrainian society and soldiers, and sends strong signals to Russia regarding Europe's unwavering support for Ukraine.
The presidents of Ukraine and France also coordinated the calendar of future joint events.
For reference:
Since Russian started its full-scale invasion of Ukraine, France has been one of the European countries actively providing financial and military support.
Recently, it became known that from January 1, 2024, the Artillery Coalition for Strengthening the Ukrainian Army, under which Ukraine hopes to receive additional Caesar self-propelled artillery systems and ammunition for them, as well as to introduce artificial intelligence into their management, will start operating in Paris.
On January 18 in Paris, the "artillery coalition" was launched to strengthen Ukraine's capabilities against Russia. This coalition is led by France and the United States and operates within the Ukraine Defense Contact Group in the "Ramstein" format.
France will also produce 78 Caesar artillery systems for Ukraine. It is noted that the Caesar SPGs are the "flagship of French artillery."
Earlier, it was reported that France would increase the supply of ammunition to Ukraine. The possibility of strengthening cooperation in the defense sector and establishing logistical support between the countries is also being considered.
Next year, pilots of the Armed Forces of Ukraine will start arriving in France for training as part of military aid.
The subsidiary company, Verney-Carron of the French Cybergun, signed a contract with "Ukrspetsexport" for €36 million to supply various weapons to Ukraine.
France has also provided long-range missiles to support the advance of the Ukrainian Armed Forces.
As reported, France has also provided the Ukrainian Armed Forces with a powerful armored package.
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