Zelenskiy arrives in Paris to seal new defence deals with France amid intensified Russian attacks

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy arrived in Paris on Monday to finalise a series of defence agreements with France, seeking to boost Ukraine’s long-term military capacity as Russia steps up drone, missile and ground assaults across the country.

Zelenskiy, who is on a European tour aimed at securing additional security guarantees, was greeted with a warm embrace by French President Emmanuel Macron at the Villacoublay military airport outside Paris. The visit comes as Ukraine faces some of its heaviest aerial bombardments in months and as Russian forces report renewed advances in the southeastern Zaporizhzhia region.

In a message posted on X on Sunday, Zelenskiy said a “historic agreement” had been prepared with France, promising “significant strengthening” for Ukraine’s combat aviation, air-defence systems and wider defence infrastructure.

“According to the visit schedule, this will take place on Monday,” he wrote.

Focus on Air Defence and Air Power

At the centre of the talks is a long-discussed package that could see France deliver additional air-defence capabilities—an urgent priority for Kyiv as Russian forces have intensified their use of long-range drone and missile strikes. Ukrainian cities and energy facilities have faced repeated waves of attacks, placing renewed pressure on Western partners to accelerate support.

French officials say the discussions include a potential supply of warplanes and precision missiles, though details remain undisclosed ahead of the formal signing. The prospective package is aimed not only at meeting Ukraine’s immediate battlefield needs but also at building its defensive capacity over the longer term.

Paris Faces Political and Fiscal Constraints

Despite its commitment to supporting Ukraine, France is grappling with domestic political turbulence and budgetary pressures that have raised doubts about the scale of future military assistance.

Macron’s government has been under strain following a series of parliamentary disputes and public spending challenges, complicating efforts to ramp up defence commitments.

Even so, diplomatic sources say Paris has been exploring ways to increase deliveries of radar systems, anti-air missiles and other assets critical to Ukraine’s air-defence network. The French government has also been pushing European partners to do more, arguing that Ukraine’s security is central to Europe’s own stability.

Ukrainian Frontlines Under Pressure

Zelenskiy’s visit comes as Moscow claims fresh territorial gains near the frontline in Zaporizhzhia, where Russian forces reported advances over the weekend. Ukrainian military officials have denied any major breakthroughs but acknowledge that fighting has intensified as winter approaches.

Russia has also escalated its aerial campaign, sending swarms of drones and missile barrages across Ukraine in recent weeks. Kyiv says the renewed attacks are designed to overwhelm air-defence systems and sap morale ahead of the winter season.

Strengthening Long-Term Cooperation

The Paris visit follows a recent pattern of bilateral security agreements Ukraine has been signing with its European allies to secure long-term commitments. Officials say the expected deal with France will include multiyear provisions for weapons supply, training, and joint defence projects.

As he stepped onto the tarmac near Paris, Zelenskiy said the agreements would “bring Ukraine closer to the level of resilience required to stop Russian aggression entirely.”

Further announcements are expected later on Monday after the leaders’ talks at the Élysée Palace.