Ukrainian pilots will soon begin training in France on French Rafale fighter jets.

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy said this following a conversation with French President Emmanuel Macron.

According to the President, the two leaders discussed the intensification of Russian attacks and Ukraine’s needs for air defence and other means of protection.

France is preparing a new package of defence assistance, which is expected to arrive in Ukraine soon. The presidents also discussed its contents.

Particular attention was paid to the development of Ukraine’s combat aviation capabilities. Zelenskyy described the upcoming Rafale training for Ukrainian pilots as an important step toward strengthening Ukraine’s air capabilities.

In addition, Ukrainian and French teams are working to localise the production of French missiles and aerial bombs in Ukraine. Preparations for the FREYJA system are also ongoing, and the sides discussed ways to accelerate this work.

The two leaders agreed to discuss defence cooperation in greater detail during a face-to-face meeting.