President of France Emmanuel Macron expressed a clear position on the need to continue providing military support to Ukraine and increase sanctions pressure against Russia, an UNIAN correspondent reports

During an online address to the leaders of the Coalition of the Willing, which was broadcast live on YouTube , Macron noted that the Coalition of the Willing advocates peace to achieve a"just, credible and lasting peace" for Ukraine, in a situation where Russia takes the opposite position, having started an illegal war, and still rejects any negotiations.

"It is very important to continue our efforts - to support Ukraine and put pressure on Russia," he stressed. The French leader also noted that efforts will be made in the coming weeks to provide additional financial support for Ukraine.

New military aid to Ukraine from France

"In parallel, we also need to continue to increase military support for Ukraine - air defense capabilities, long-range capabilities, drones and anti-drone systems," Macron noted.

The French president, speaking separately to Zelensky, confirmed that they would"deliver additional Aster missiles in the coming days." New training programs for the Ukrainian military will also be organized and new Mirage aircraft will be sent.

Pressure on Russia

In addition, as Macron reported, in the face of increasing Russian attacks on Ukrainian energy infrastructure, it is still necessary to continue to support Ukrainian energy sustainability with all available tools.

In addition, Macron advocates increasing pressure on Russia.

He considers the new US sanctions against Russian oil companies a"turning point". These sanctions, in his opinion, are perfectly synchronized with the 19th package of sanctions from the European Union."The effectiveness of the sanctions should clearly affect the financing of the war for Russia," Macron added and stressed that it is necessary to continue working and prepare the 20th package of sanctions from the EU to increase the price of war for Moscow.

What are the Mirage 2000 and Aster missiles?

The Mirage 2000-5 is a relatively old but still capable fighter jet of the French Air Force, in service for almost 25 years. It stands out for its modern RDY radar, which is capable of detecting up to two dozen targets simultaneously and launching several MICA missiles at them.

These missiles can operate in the so-called"Fox 3" mode - a NATO term that means that after launch, the missile is first guided by the aircraft's radar, and then independently searches for the target using its own sensors. Such a system makes the attack more unexpected: the enemy receives an alarm signal only at the last moment, when the missile is already close and there is almost no time to dodge.

France currently has 26 such aircraft in service, with a total production of 111 aircraft, which in theory makes it possible to borrow part of the fleet from other countries to form a squadron.

Although the Mirage is inferior in capabilities to modern Rafale fighters, and in terms of the range of missiles used - to the American AIM-120 AMRAAM systems, for example. However, these fighters can be effectively used for air defense and countering, in particular, drones.

As for the Aster missiles, versions 15 and 30 are used. They are used in the French-Italian SAMP/T air defense system, providing protection against air attacks at medium and long distances.

Meeting of the Coalition of the Willing with Zelensky - what is known

As UNIAN reported, today Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy arrived in London to participate in a meeting of the Coalition of the Willing. The Ukrainian leader met with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who said that there are more opportunities to strengthen Ukraine's long-range capabilities.

Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof and Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen, as well as NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, are also in London. Other leaders are expected to join the Coalition of the Willing meeting online.

In addition to various topics Zelenskyy awaits new decisions on strengthening air defense Ukraine. He is convinced that Russia plans to create a humanitarian catastrophe in Ukraine through constant attacks.