Ukrainian President Zelenskiy Secures Military Aid from France and Germany During European Tour
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has been on a whirlwind tour of Europe to secure further aid in its ongoing conflict with Russia. During his trip, he met with French President Emmanuel Macron for a working dinner at the Elysee Palace in Paris.[0] The leaders announced that France will train and equip several Ukrainian battalions and provide them with tens of armored vehicles and light tanks, including AMX-10RCs.[1] France also pledged to focus on supporting Ukraine's air defense capacities.[2] Germany also announced a military support package worth over €2.7 billion ($2.9 billion) for Ukraine.
During his visit to Paris, Zelenskiy also met with Pope Francis and later traveled to London. His aim was to drum up military and financial support ahead of an expected major Ukrainian counteroffensive against Russian forces.[3] Macron reaffirmed that France will continue to provide political, financial, humanitarian, and military support to Ukraine for as long as necessary.[3] He added that France remains determined to help Ukraine repel Russian aggression, stating, “There is a lot at stake now, as the success of the counteroffensive will be critical to the ability to achieve lasting peace.”[4]
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz made a personal pledge to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy that Germany will continue to support Kyiv with military and other assistance for as long as needed. During his visit to Berlin, Scholz confirmed that Germany would send a €2.7 billion package of military aid to support Ukraine. Scholz reiterated his pledge to continue to support the government in Kyiv for as long as needed.
Zelenskiy's trip to Europe comes as tensions between Ukraine and Russia continue to escalate. Two Russian military jets, an Su-24 and an Su-35, and two Mi-8 helicopters likely crashed on Saturday in the Bryansk region not far from Ukraine's northeast border, with their crews killed.[5] The Ukrainian president's diplomatic tour across several European nations is aimed at strengthening Ukraine's arsenal and ensuring the country is prepared for any future conflict with Russia.[0]
0. “Macron announces Frances offer to train Ukrainian fighter pilots” Geo News, 15 May. 2023, https://www.geo.tv/latest/487651-headline-macron-announces-frances-offer-to-train-ukrainian-fighter-pilots
1. “France to give Ukraine more tanks, Macron and Zelenskyy announce” POLITICO Europe, 14 May. 2023, https://www.politico.eu/article/volodymyr-zelenskyy-emmanuel-macron-ukraine-war-france/
2. “France pledges additional military aid to Ukraine after surprise talks” Meduza, 15 May. 2023, https://meduza.io/en/news/2023/05/15/france-pledges-additional-military-aid-to-ukraine-after-surprise-talks
3. “France promises more tanks, armoured vehicles for Ukraine” Al Jazeera English, 15 May. 2023, https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/5/15/france-promises-more-tanks-armoured-vehicles-for-ukraine
4. “France ready to train Ukrainian war pilots – Macron” Ukrinform, 15 May. 2023, https://www.ukrinform.net/rubric-defense/3709680-france-ready-to-train-ukrainian-war-pilots-macron.html
5. “Ukraine Latest: Zelenskiy to Dine With Macron After German Trip” Yahoo Finance, 14 May. 2023, https://finance.yahoo.com/news/ukraine-latest-zelenskiy-berlin-meet-063253489.html
