Zelenskyy meets with Macron at Elysee Palace: key statements

Ukraine to receive €2 billion military aid package from France

During a press conference with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, French leader Emmanuel Macron announced a new €2 billion military aid package for Ukraine.

According to Macron, the new package will include Milan anti-tank missiles, air defense systems, Mica missiles, and Mirage aircraft.

Read more about it here.

What preceded the announcement

Earlier, TV5MONDE Info reported on social media platform X that Zelenskyy met with Macron at the Élysée Palace.

A video posted online showed Zelenskyy greeting Macron before the two leaders entered the building.

Previously, Suspilne reported Zelenskyy's arrival in France, citing Presidential spokesperson Serhii Nykyforov, who stated:

"President Zelensky has arrived in France, as confirmed by Presidential spokesperson Nykyforov. He will soon meet with French President Macron."

Umerov meets with Lecornu

Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov stated that, during his working trip to France, he met with his French counterpart, Sébastien Lecornu.

The discussion focused on strengthening the Ukrainian military, the status of military assistance, and further enhancing security support, with an emphasis on key areas:

• Air defense systems

• Missiles

• Ammunition

• Aviation

• Armored vehicles

• Defense industry development and launching joint arms production

"We also discussed security guarantees for achieving a just and lasting peace in Ukraine and Europe, as well as preparations for a summit at the heads-of-state level under France’s leadership. I am grateful to France for its unwavering support since the first day of the full-scale invasion. Special thanks to President Emmanuel Macron and Minister Sébastien Lecornu for their strong position in supporting Ukraine," Umerov emphasized.

Meetings with representatives of French defense companies

Rustem Umerov also met with representatives of leading French defense companies.

"Their products have already proven effective on the battlefield in Ukraine. We focused on further cooperation, particularly in direct procurement, localization of production in Ukraine, and the creation of joint ventures," said Ukraine’s defense minister.

According to him, this approach will "strengthen Ukraine's defense industry capabilities and ensure sustainable support for our Defense Forces."

"I appreciate our French partners' interest, openness to cooperation, and willingness to develop industrial solutions together with Ukraine," Umerov added.

France plans to establish a Ukrainian Unity Hub

Ukraine’s Minister of National Unity Oleksii Chernyshov and French Minister of the Interior François-Noël Buffet participated in an intergovernmental meeting dedicated to the reception and integration of temporarily displaced Ukrainians.

During the meeting, the two sides confirmed their shared goal of establishing a Ukrainian Unity Hub in France and formalized it by signing a joint declaration.

Additionally, officials discussed:

• The future of temporary protection and prospects for the return of Ukrainians home

• Mechanisms to support Ukrainians in France, including access to healthcare and education, as well as simplifying the process of recognizing Ukrainian driver's licenses

• Employment opportunities and social adaptation

"France has provided shelter to tens of thousands of our citizens, and we deeply appreciate this support. We hope it continues until the war is completely over. At the same time, we are looking to the future: the entry of French companies into Ukraine to participate in rebuilding efforts could be a key incentive for the return of Ukrainians who have gained education and valuable professional experience in France. We are working to make this process as efficient and mutually beneficial as possible!" Chernyshov emphasized.