The French president received Volodymyr Zelensky tonight at the Elysée Palace, and assured that France will continue to support Ukraine, while the Ukrainian leader called for more heavy weapons and aircraft.
“Ukraine can count on France, Europe and their allies to win the war. Russia cannot and must not win this war. As long as it continues, it will be necessary for us to continue, adapt and shape the necessary military apparatus for Ukraine. “, declared the French president, in statements to journalists.
President Volodymyr Zelensky arrived at a special terminal at Orly airport at around 9:50 p.m. on a commercial flight chartered by the British government. At the Élysée Palace, Volodymyr Zelensky thanked Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, who were also waiting for him in Paris.
“Currently we have very little time, we have to talk about the coming weeks and months and I ask for the necessary weapons for peace because we need to fight this war,” declared the Ukrainian president, who called for “planes” and “heavy weapons” to continue the receding from Moscow.
For his part, the German chancellor recalled that a few days ago he agreed to arm Ukraine with Leopard tanks and that he is willing to continue doing so.
“Since the beginning of this heinous war, Europe and its partners have always been on Ukraine’s side. We have done it financially and with weapons, most recently with heavy tanks and we will continue to do so as long as necessary,” Olaf Scholz promised. .
Emmanuel Macron, Volodymyr Zelensky and Olaf Scholz will now have dinner at the Élysée Palace. According to an Élysée source, the dinner will take place just between the three leaders, with parallel dinners between the French, German and Ukrainian military and respective diplomatic delegations at the same time.
This visit was surrounded by a large security device, with the reinforcement of the number of police and military patrolling the surroundings of the Élysée Palace and also a large number of journalists of different nationalities who witnessed Zelensky’s arrival in Paris.
As for the issues discussed at the dinner, in addition to the “undeniable support” of France and Europe for Ukraine, on the table for debate is the possible delivery to Ukraine of Rafale aircraft, French-made fighters, a demand from Kiev in sight . from their western partners.
This visit to the French capital comes after Zelensky’s lightning visit to the UK. In London, British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said Monday that “nothing is excluded” in terms of supplying fighter jets to Ukraine, but stressed that the priority was to strengthen anti-aircraft defense and long-range missiles.
Volodymyr Zelensky will spend the night in Paris and possibly leave for Brussels in the morning to join the leaders of the 27 at the European Council. According to an Élysée source, “there are several possibilities”, but the Ukrainian president should go to the Belgian capital accompanied by Emmanuel Macron.
Source: TSF
