During a joint press conference with French President Emmanuel Macron, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy made the following statements:

▫️Ukraine is grateful for France’s steadfast, significant, and crucial support, and for the new €2 billion defense package, which includes Mirage missiles, ammunition, anti-tank systems, armored vehicles, investments in the defense industry, and other military equipment.

▫️French Mirage 2000 fighter jets have proven to be highly effective in Ukrainian airspace. Ukraine plans to increase the number of Mirage 2000 aircraft in its arsenal.

▫️This is a pivotal moment in history — the way the current generation of European leaders shapes the continent’s security architecture will define it for generations to come.

▫️moscow is attempting to insert additional conditions into the Black Sea ceasefire agreement, which was initially proposed without any preconditions.

▫️Kyiv hopes that the U.S. will ensure the unconditional nature of the Black Sea ceasefire. A proposal for unconditional silence has been on the table since March 11. So far, russia has rejected it — a clear signal that russia seeks to prolong the war.

▫️Sanctions against russia must remain in place and be strengthened for as long as the occupation continues. Every russian strike and effort to drag out the war must be met with a response. moscow understands no language other than the language of force.

▫️Now is not the time to ease pressure on russia. More strong joint steps are needed to achieve a just and lasting peace.

▫️Ukraine is committed to strong diplomacy, which is rooted in the strength of our nation.