Macron Hosts Zelensky in Paris to Strengthen Ukraine Support

In a significant diplomatic move, French President Emmanuel Macron is set to meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Paris on Thursday. This meeting comes just a day after Macron visited Ukrainian troops being trained in France, highlighting France's ongoing commitment to support Ukraine amid the ongoing conflict with Russia. Since the invasion began in 2022, this marks Zelensky's fifth visit to Paris, underscoring the importance of French support for Ukraine's defense efforts.

The meeting is scheduled for 1300 GMT and is expected to reaffirm France's dedication to aiding Ukraine in its fight against Russian aggression. Macron's recent visit to a military camp in eastern France, where he met with a brigade of Ukrainian soldiers, demonstrates the hands-on approach France is taking in training these troops. The specific location of the camp was not disclosed, but it is known that France is currently training 2,300 soldiers from the brigade named Anne of Kyiv, named after a historical figure who played a significant role in the ties between France and Ukraine.

French Colonel Paul, who did not disclose his last name, expressed optimism about the training progress, stating, "The training is going very well. The Ukrainian soldiers are progressing faster than we thought." This positive feedback was shared with French Defence Minister Sebastien Lecornu and Ukrainian Defence Minister Rustem Umerov, who accompanied Macron during his visit. Macron praised the troops, saying, "You have also made a lot of progress through your action and your resistance." This acknowledgment of their efforts is crucial in boosting the morale of the soldiers.

In total, the brigade consists of 4,500 soldiers, with 2,300 receiving training in France and the remaining 2,200 being trained in Ukraine. France is also providing substantial military equipment, including 128 frontline armored vehicles, 18 Caesar cannons, over 18 AMX-10 vehicles, 20 Milan anti-tank missile posts, and 10 large TRM military trucks designed for challenging terrains. Additionally, Macron announced in June that France would deliver an unspecified number of Mirage 2000-5 fighter jets to Ukraine, with training for pilots and mechanics already underway.

To date, France has trained more than 15,000 Ukrainian soldiers across various military disciplines, showcasing its commitment to strengthening Ukraine's defense capabilities. The Elysee Palace has indicated that the upcoming talks with Zelensky will provide Macron with an opportunity to reaffirm France's long-term support for Ukraine and its people.

As Zelensky continues his diplomatic engagements this week, meeting with leaders from Britain, Germany, and Italy, the international community watches closely. The ongoing support from France and other allies is vital for Ukraine as it navigates the challenges posed by the Russian invasion. This meeting not only symbolizes solidarity but also reinforces the message that Ukraine is not alone in its struggle for sovereignty and peace.