(MENAFN) Ukraine intends to purchase up to 100 French-made Rafale fighter jets over the next decade, along with additional weapons including air-defense systems, leaders of the two countries announced. Russia condemned the potential deal, warning it could foster corruption.

French President Emmanuel Macron and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky signed a letter of intent on the acquisition during Zelensky’s visit to Paris Monday.

Speaking to LCI, Macron said the jets are “needed for the regeneration of the Ukrainian military.” Zelensky described the plan as a “strategic agreement” and “a historic deal.”

The letter is an initial commitment rather than a final contract. Macron did not specify a delivery schedule or financing, noting only that he hopes the EU will assist with procurement.

Meanwhile, EU officials have debated using frozen Russian assets to provide a €140 billion ($162 billion) loan to Ukraine. Moscow criticized the asset freeze as “theft.”

The Rafale, France’s most advanced multirole jet, is estimated at over $90 million each, with 100 jets potentially costing around €15 billion ($16.5 billion). The deal also includes eight SAMP/T air-defense batteries under development, AASM Hammer precision-guided munitions, drones, and French-made radars.

Former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev, deputy chair of Russia’s Security Council, criticized France and the EU for dealing with Zelensky, claiming Western governments could later claim ignorance if wrongdoing is revealed.

France has already provided Ukraine with some Mirage 2000 jets, and Kiev has received US-made F-16 fighters, though it has lost at least three aircraft. Moscow argues Western weapons deliveries prolong the conflict without changing the outcome.

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