Editor's note: This is a developing story and is being updated.
President Volodymyr Zelensky and French President Emmanuel Macron signed a declaration of intent on cooperation in the defense sector on Nov. 17, signaling a deepening of bilateral security ties.
The agreement, signed during Zelensky's official trip to France, concerns "acquisition of defense equipment" by Ukraine, the Ukrainian Presidential Office said in a broadcast, without disclosing further details.
Zelensky landed at an air base near Paris earlier on Nov. 17, where he was welcomed by Macron ahead of the signing ceremony.
Macron's office said last week that the two leaders are set to discuss bilateral cooperation in the "energy, economic, and defense fields," as well as progress in preparing security guarantees for Ukraine under the "Coalition of the Willing" framework.
Citing undisclosed sources, Reuters reported that Zelensky and Macron are expected to sign deals on air defenses, missiles, and a 10-year strategic aviation agreement signalling the provision of advanced Dassault Rafale fighter jets.
Paris has been a key ally to Ukraine since the outbreak of the full-scale invasion in 2022, providing Mirage 2000 fighter jets, artillery, SCALP long-range missiles, and more.
Speaking ahead of the visit on Nov. 16, Zelensky touted a "historic deal with France in Paris to strengthen our combat aviation and air defense."
The trip is part of Zelensky's tour among European allies as he seeks to bolster support for Kyiv in the face of the coming winter and Russian strikes against Ukraine's power grid.
Nuova FIAT Panda (Pandina), in offerta da 129 euro al mese con finanziamento