- Category
- Latest news
Zelenskyy: France Expands Mirage Jet Training, Ramps Up Air Defense Aid for Ukraine
- Authors
![Photo of Vlad Litnarovych]( "Photo of Vlad Litnarovych")
France has committed to training more Ukrainian pilots to fly Mirage fighter jets, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced following a lengthy call with French President Emmanuel Macron on July 18.
Zelenskyy said the hour-long conversation was “very substantive,” covering the battlefield situation and Ukraine’s most urgent defense needs. He praised Macron’s “truly strategic vision” and France’s readiness to deliver exactly what Ukrainian forces require.
I had a very substantive, hour-long conversation with President of France @EmmanuelMacron. We discussed the situation on the frontline and Ukraine’s urgent defense needs. I’m grateful to Emmanuel for his truly strategic vision and his readiness to help with exactly what our… pic.twitter.com/ohfgvxWMcW
— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) July 18, 2025
Among the key outcomes of the call was an agreement to expand the training of Ukrainian pilots on Mirage aircraft, using additional jets provided by France.
The two leaders also discussed reinforcing Ukraine’s air defenses, particularly the supply of missiles for SAMP/T systems and financing for interceptor drones.
✈️ The first of the Mirage-2000 fighter jets have arrived in Ukraine.
— UNITED24 Media (@United24media) February 7, 2025
After several months of training in France, Ukrainian pilots are taking to defending the skies over Ukraine, reports the French Ministry of the Armed Forces. pic.twitter.com/UueNA406fW
Zelenskyy noted that joint decisions with France and other partners are being prepared at the ministerial level to implement new protective measures against Russian aerial attacks.
He also highlighted France’s role in shaping the European Union’s 18th sanctions package, calling it a “tangible contribution.”
Zelenskyy added that Kyiv, together with the United States, is working to ensure that “Russia feels real global pressure,” emphasizing that every day the war continues must bring “truly painful consequences” for Moscow.
The two leaders also coordinated their next political steps, though no specifics were disclosed.
Earlier, French Mirage 2000 fighter jets conducted a symbolic flight over the Black Sea, following a route that traced the shape of Ukraine’s national emblem, the trident.
