During a visit to France, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy had a meeting with President of France Emmanuel Macron and Federal Chancellor of Germany Olaf Scholz.
Speaking to the media before the trilateral talks in Paris, the Head of State emphasized that France and Germany had stood by Ukraine during the full-scale Russian invasion and together they had managed to ensure strong unity of the whole of Europe.
The President expressed gratitude to the leader of France for the decision to provide Ukraine with light tanks and to the Chancellor of Germany for the provision of a powerful IRIS-T air defense system. The Head of State called these decisions historic and noted the potential for further strengthening the partnership.
"The sooner Ukraine can get powerful long-range weapons, Emmanuel, the sooner our pilots can get modern aircraft, Olaf, the stronger our tank coalition is - I am grateful to you for having embarked on this path - the sooner this Russian aggression will end and we will return a steadfast peace to Europe," Volodymyr Zelenskyy said.
During the meeting, the parties discussed the capabilities of supplying Ukraine with the necessary weapons, as well as the issue of continuing economic and political support and strengthening sanctions policy against the aggressor state.
In addition, the parties negotiated the implementation of the Peace Formula initiated by the President of Ukraine, which can ensure a steadfast end to the war on fair terms and in compliance with international law.
For his part, Emmanuel Macron emphasized that the visit of the President of Ukraine to France and the meeting of the three leaders is a symbol of trust that unites their countries.
"The crime of aggression cannot be tolerated under any circumstances. Especially from a country like Russia. That is why we stand with Ukraine. We are determined to support Ukraine until victory and restoration of its legitimate rights," he emphasized.
The President of France assured that Ukraine can count on the support of France and other European allies.
The German Chancellor emphasized that from the very beginning of the war, partner states, including Germany, have been providing Ukraine with financial, humanitarian and military support. Among other things, Olaf Scholz noted the strengthening of the air defense system and the supply of tanks to our country.
The Chancellor expressed conviction that Ukraine should receive assistance from its partners for as long as it is needed.
At the end of the meeting, Emmanuel Macron presented Volodymyr Zelenskyy with the Order of the Legion of Honour – the highest French award conferred by the President.
