Zelensky outlines talks with Macron: Joint weapons production, air defense, aviation

The head of state made this announcement during a joint press conference with French President Emmanuel Macron in Paris, according to a Ukrinform correspondent.

“Today, in an expanded format with our teams (…), we devoted significant attention to joint defense production. We discussed bilateral projects and programs [within the framework of] SAFE. All of this holds significant potential that can strengthen both our countries and all of Europe. Ukraine is grateful for France’s defense support over all these years,” Zelensky said.

He noted that during the talks, steps and specific decisions were identified that could yield strong results.

“This applies to both air defense and combat aviation,” the President added.

According to him, the agenda of the talks also included issues of cooperation with France at the EU level within the Coalition of the Willing, as well as France’s leadership in promoting Ukraine’s future accession to the European Union and support in unblocking €90 billion in EU aid. The latter issue, Zelensky noted, will be considered next week during the European Council meeting.

As reported, today, March 13, Zelensky arrived in France on a visit. Prior to this, he visited Paris on January 6, when he held talks with Macron and participated in the Coalition of the Willing summit. Following the meeting in Paris, the leaders of the Coalition of the Willing, Ukraine, and the United States signed a joint statement titled “Reliable Security Guarantees for a Strong and Lasting Peace in Ukraine.”