Zelensky thanks Macron for new defence package
This was stated by President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky during a joint press conference with French President Emmanuel Macron, an Ukrinform correspondent reports.
"Today we discussed the situation on the battlefield, Russian attempts to expand the war, as well as our ability to counter them. I thank France and all our partners for a significant step for our security and the opportunity to destroy Russian weapons and positions from which they are simply hitting our cities, in particular Kharkiv. These are the kind of bold anti-terrorist steps that are needed in the future. This is exactly what Putin should feel: that his capabilities are limited, not those who are defending their lives from his attacks," Zelensky said.
The Head of State thanked the French President for the new defence package.
"Today we have discussed in detail the issue of France's ability to strengthen our combat aviation. We have a positive decision on training pilots and engineers and receiving French aircraft," Zelensky said.
Also, as the head of state added, the issue of using frozen Russian assets to defend against the Russian war was discussed.
Preparations are also underway for a decision to be made in June on the actual start of accession negotiations between Ukraine and the EU. According to the President of Ukraine, France also supports Ukraine in this matter.
As Volodymyr Zelensky reminded, the inaugural summit will begin in Switzerland in a week, which will be attended by leaders and states from around the world.
He stressed that French leadership helps to implement the Ukrainian formula for peace, in particular, in terms of radiation and nuclear safety.
During the meeting, the two Presidents also discussed opportunities to strengthen the positions of Ukraine and France in global energy cooperation.
As Ukrinform reported, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky is on a visit to France. Yesterday, he took part in the celebrations marking the 80th anniversary of the Allied landings in Normandy. Today, in Paris, he addressed the National Assembly, held talks with US President Joe Biden, who is also in the French capital, and visited the French Ministry of Defence. The programme of his visit also includes talks with President Emmanuel Macron.
Photo: OP
