Ukraine Steps Up for France as Wildfires Threaten Communities and Strategic Industry

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has offered to send Ukrainian specialists to help France battle massive wildfires that have forced widespread evacuations and reportedly approached facilities linked to missile and fighter production on July 29.

Zelenskyy made the offer during a call with French President Emmanuel Macron while returning from Washington, where he had held meetings at the White House and in the US Senate.

“Emmanuel told me about the large-scale wildfires in France,” Zelenskyy said.

The fires have burned for several days across southwestern France, destroying tens of thousands of hectares and forcing large-scale evacuations. The flames have also reportedly moved close to industrial sites producing rocket engines, missile components, and Rafale fighter aircraft.

“Ukraine is always ready to help those who have supported us throughout these years of our fight against Russian aggression,” Zelenskyy said. “I offered France our assistance. Our specialists can join the firefighting efforts.”

The two leaders also discussed diplomatic developments following Zelenskyy’s visit to Washington.

“We need to seize every opportunity that can bring us closer to peace, and we coordinated our possible steps,” he said, thanking Macron for his readiness “to help and to make every necessary effort.”

Preparations for winter were also on the agenda, including the delivery of essential energy equipment and air defense packages to Ukraine.

“France will work to find solutions to support Ukraine,” Zelenskyy said.

Earlier, a Ukrainian-made firefighting aircraft, the An-32P, was deployed to Montenegro to help battle wildfires under a mission supported by the United Arab Emirates.

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