Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky speaks during a meeting with US President Donald Trump in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, DC, on August 18, 2025. European leaders join Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in talks with US President Donald Trump on August 18, as they try to find a way to end Russia's offensive. The leaders heading to Washington on Monday to appear alongside Zelensky call themselves the "coalition of the willing." (Photo by Mandel NGAN / AFP)
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Monday finalized a landmark agreement for the purchase of a large fleet of Rafale fighter jets from France.
The deal, signed alongside French President Emmanuel Macron, outlines Ukraine’s intention to acquire as many as 100 of the advanced aircraft, according to the Élysée Palace.
The pact also reportedly includes provisions for the SAMP/T air-defense system, a key component in strengthening Ukraine’s protection against ongoing Russian attacks.
Macron hailed the signing on X, calling it a “great day” for Franco-Ukrainian cooperation. Zelensky is currently visiting France—his ninth trip there since Russia launched its full-scale invasion in February 2022.
This agreement follows a similar understanding reached in Sweden in late October, where Zelensky secured a path toward purchasing up to 150 Gripen fighter jets. Ukraine aims to assemble a modern air fleet of at least 250 aircraft, though how Kyiv plans to finance these multibillion-euro acquisitions remains uncertain.
