President Volodymyr Zelenskyy held a meeting with Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs of France Catherine Colonna, who is in Ukraine on a visit.

The Head of State thanked French President Emmanuel Macron for the support of Ukraine expressed during his speech at the 77th session of the UN General Assembly, as well as for his personal efforts in the negotiations regarding the visit of the IAEA mission to the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant.

"In these days of various cynical provocations by the Russian Federation, sham "referenda", etc., such clear signals from France, our reliable partner, are very important for us," Volodymyr Zelenskyy said.

The Head of State emphasized that Ukraine expects the toughest reaction from international partners to the sham referenda held by Russia in the occupied territories.

The President emphasized: "We expect both powerful sanctions in the EU's eighth sanctions package against Russia and separate clear signals about what will happen if the Russian Federation recognizes these artificial "referenda”.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy is convinced that NATO countries should show the whole world that they guarantee the security of any state on the European continent.

The President emphasized the importance of strengthening defense support for Ukraine.

"This is a priority for us today. Progress in restoring our territorial integrity is impossible without modern weapons. Therefore, I would like to personally thank the French government for the help that has been provided all these months," the Head of State said.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy noted France's leadership in granting Ukraine the status of a candidate for joining the European Union and expressed confidence in our country’s further progress on this path.

For her part, Catherine Colonna conveyed greetings from President of France Emmanuel Macron to the President of Ukraine.

"The French people admire the courage of the Ukrainian people. France will stand by Ukraine's side for as long as it takes," she said.

The Head of State also thanked First Lady of France Brigitte Macron for humanitarian support to Ukraine and noted the important meeting of the first ladies of the two countries on the margins of the UN General Assembly in New York.