Today at 21:36
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy held talks with French President Emmanuel Macron, focusing on strengthening Ukraine’s air defense, developing European anti-ballistic capabilities, and coordinating priorities ahead of upcoming meetings of the Anti-Ballistic Coalition and the Coalition of the Willing, UATV English reports.
“As always, we coordinate our positions closely with Emmanuel. It was a productive meeting,” Zelenskyy said.
The Ukrainian president noted that the two leaders discussed priorities ahead of the coalition meetings, as well as broader bilateral defense cooperation.
Zelenskyy said relations between Ukraine and France have reached a truly strategic level, attributing much of that progress to Macron’s personal leadership.
“Our countries’ relations have reached a truly strategic level, largely thanks to President Macron’s personal efforts,” he said.
During the meeting, Zelenskyy awarded Macron the Order of Freedom, one of Ukraine’s highest state honors, describing the French leader as “a true friend of Ukraine.”
The leaders also held detailed discussions on the battlefield situation and Ukraine’s most urgent defense requirements amid continued Russian missile and drone attacks.
“It is important to strengthen Ukraine, reinforce our air defense, and accelerate the development of European anti-ballistic capabilities,” Zelenskyy said.
According to the Ukrainian president, France possesses the technologies and industrial capabilities needed to help build Europe’s future anti-ballistic defense architecture.
“France has exactly the capabilities and advanced technologies needed to help. We will work on this together with our allies,” Zelenskyy said.
He thanked France and President Macron for their continued military, political, and diplomatic support for Ukraine.
Read also: Zelenskyy Arrives in France for “Coalition of the Willing” Meeting — Details From Paris
