(MENAFN) French President Emmanuel Macron on Monday welcomed Ukraine’s acquisition of 100 Rafale fighter jets as a “new step” in bilateral defense cooperation with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

"Today, we are taking a new step. With this agreement, we continue to invest in bringing our defense industries closer together and integrating them further in order to continue supporting Ukraine," Macron said during a joint press conference at the Elysee Palace.

The conference followed the signing of a Declaration of Intent on Cooperation in the Acquisition of Defense Equipment for Ukraine at the Villacoublay military airport in Yvelines.

Zelenskyy noted that the document enables Ukraine to procure military equipment from France’s defense and technological base, including 100 Rafale F4 aircraft by 2035, SAMP/T air-defense systems, radars, air-to-air missiles, and aerial bombs.

Macron emphasized that the agreement strengthens both immediate and long-term cooperation over the next decade, including short-term capabilities such as drones, drone interceptors, guided bombs, and production commitments by year-end and over the next three years. He highlighted that the declaration reflects their shared commitment to support Ukraine’s defense and bolster its army.

He also welcomed a €475-million ($550-million) contract between Alstom and Ukraine’s state railway company, UZ, for the supply of 55 locomotives, financed by the IBRD and World Bank, alongside an intergovernmental agreement covering strategic sectors including energy, transport, water, and defense.

"This agreement demonstrates France’s determination to place its industrial and technological excellence at the service of Ukraine’s defense and therefore at the service of Europe," Macron said.

He stressed that the ultimate goal is to deploy a reassurance force set back from the line of contact, safeguard Ukrainian sovereignty once a ceasefire is secured, and strengthen the country’s armed forces to deter further Russian aggression.

"I want to say here — and the discussions we have had have shown this — that we are ready, that the work is progressing at full speed, and that by Christmas we will have passed a new and decisive stage in this matter," Macron said, noting the importance of European unity with the US and key partners in applying pressure on Russia.

He expressed hope for peace before 2027, and stressed the need for the EU to provide predictable, long-term financial support to Ukraine. Macron also emphasized that Ukraine’s path toward EU integration will require deep reforms in the rule of law, transparency, governance, and anti-corruption efforts.

"I have confidence in the determination of the Ukrainian people to carry them out successfully, and I have confidence in President Zelenskyy to do so. France will support this process with consistency, high standards, confidence, and candor, because a strong, democratic Ukraine, integrated into the Union, will also make Europe stronger," he added.

MENAFN18112025000045017640ID1110358649