Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and French President Emmanuel Macron signed a declaration on November 17 that creates a long-term framework for cooperation in the defense sector, allowing Kiev to acquire a wide range of French military equipment. The document was formalized during Zelensky's visit to France, which he described as a moment of great importance for both countries.
According to the Ukrainian presidential administration, the declaration focused on supplies from the French defense industry. Zelensky later specified the scope of the agreement, saying that Ukraine plans to purchase up to 100 Rafale F4 fighter jets by 2035, along with SAMP/T air defense systems, air defense radars, air-to-air missiles, aviation bombs and unmanned systems."Rafale" is considered one of the most advanced European 4.5 generation fighters and will become a key element of the future Ukrainian aviation.
After the signing ceremony, Zelensky said that Kiev plans to acquire eight SAMP/T systems, each of which includes six launchers. Macron indicated that Ukraine will receive a new generation of the SAMP/T system, which is currently under development, stressing that the model will provide improved capabilities. France has already delivered one SAMP/T system jointly with Italy, and Macron noted that Ukraine is already familiar with the system's characteristics, but will now receive an improved version.
Zelensky added that the agreement also gives the green light to new joint industrial projects between the two countries, including the production of interceptor drones and cooperation on critical components that can be integrated into Ukrainian unmanned platforms. He expressed gratitude for France's continued support and confirmed that Paris is preparing a new military aid package to be presented before the end of the year.
The Ukrainian president arrived at the Villacoble air base near Paris on November 17, where Macron met him before the signing. During the visit, Zelensky was shown several modern French weapons systems, including Rafale fighter jets and the SAMP/T air defense platform. The French presidency had previously indicated that the two leaders would discuss cooperation not only in defense, but also in the energy and economic sectors, as well as progress on security guarantees within the framework of the Coalition of the Willing.
France has been a key backer of Ukraine since the start of the full-scale Russian invasion in 2022. Paris has already supplied Kiev with Mirage 2000 fighter jets, SCALP long-range missiles, artillery systems and other equipment. As part of efforts to modernize its air force, Ukraine has also received F-16 fighter jets from Denmark and the Netherlands and previously struck a deal with Sweden that would eventually allow Kiev to acquire up to 150 Gripen aircraft, some of the production of which would be localized in Ukraine.
Zelensky’s visit to Paris is part of a broader tour of European capitals aimed at securing additional support ahead of winter and expected Russian strikes on Ukraine’s energy grid. On November 16, the Ukrainian president visited Greece, where he finalized a new gas supply route and agreed on additional financing for gas imports. On November 18, he is expected to visit Spain for discussions focused primarily on strengthening Ukraine’s air defenses.
In addition to defense issues, France clarified its position on the use of frozen Russian assets to support Ukraine. Benjamin Haddad, Minister Delegate for European Affairs, explained the conditions set by Macron for granting so-called reparations loans secured by Russian funds blocked in the EU. Haddad pointed out that Paris insists on strict compliance with the law, and the funds will not be confiscated, but can serve as an advance on future Russian reparations.
He added that any such loan scheme should be guaranteed by the EU budget and supported by G7 partners. According to him, the issue of financial guarantees is key for countries like Belgium, where most of the Russian capital in the EU is held. Haddad also noted that any deal should respect the principle of European preference, with the funds being used for supplies within the European defense industry and promoting closer cooperation between European and Ukrainian defense manufacturers.
The debate continues, with the European Commission estimating that Ukraine will need over €71 billion in external financing in 2026, with over €51 billion expected to go towards defence spending. The EU’s proposal for a loan through reparations has been blocked by Belgian legal reservations, but the issue remains on the agenda with a final decision expected in December 2025. Meanwhile, the European Commission has indicated that the UK and Canada could introduce similar instruments to assist Ukraine.
