Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy expressed his hope to see French-supplied Mirage 2000-5 fighter jets in Ukrainian skies soon, following President Emmanuel Macron’s announcement that France planned to provide them. Zelenskiy has been frustrated with the delay in Western allies making key decisions regarding military support for Ukraine in its war against Russian invasion forces. Macron promised that Europe would not weaken in its support for Ukraine, linking it to the commemorations for the 80th anniversary of D-Day in Normandy. The French president did not specify how many Mirage jets would be provided, but mentioned that France would send the planes and train pilots by the end of the year.
In addition to the Mirage 2000-5 fighter jets, France aims to replace its existing Mirage fleet by 2030 with Rafale warplanes, while also hoping to convince other countries with Mirage jets to supply them to Ukraine. Zelenskiy received a warm welcome when he addressed France’s National Assembly, receiving several standing ovations. He emphasized that Ukraine should not lose in the war against Russia, and that the conflict cannot end with the current lines drawn, as there are no boundaries for evil. Macron announced that France would train, equip, and finance an entire brigade of 4,500 Ukrainians in the immediate term, but did not make any announcements regarding sending advisers at that time.
Despite the promise of increased military support from France and the United States, Ukraine’s military leaders admit that the battlefield situation on the eastern front has deteriorated. Two years of war have depleted Ukraine’s ammunition and manpower, and a failed counter-offensive last year has lowered morale. Despite the U.S. Congress approving a $60 billion military package in April, there is a severe worldwide shortage of artillery shells, leaving Ukraine likely to be outgunned by Russia for the remainder of the year as its allies work to ramp up production. Macron acknowledged Ukraine’s urgent need for assistance and stated that a collective decision would be made regarding advisers to be sent to Ukraine to provide training and support.
Zelenskiy believes that the Ukrainian pilots under French combat aviation will prove that Europe is stronger than the evil that threatens it. He called on allies to provide additional support to Ukraine, emphasizing that they have no right to lose the ongoing conflict. Zelenskiy met with U.S. President Joe Biden in Paris and received confirmation of an additional $225 million in weapons from the United States. Macron highlighted that France had received a request from Ukraine for more help in training quickly and on its soil, indicating that discussions regarding sending advisers were ongoing. The collective decision to provide further support to Ukraine in its fight against Russian invasion forces was seen as necessary, given the current challenges faced by the Ukrainian military on the battlefield.
