Ukraine is set to receive up to 100 Rafale fighter jets from France after President Emmanuel Macron and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky signed a new letter of intent on Monday (Nov 17). While this is not a final purchase contract, the document outlines how the procurement process will take shape over the next 10 years, according to the French presidency, AFP reported.

Along with the Rafale jets, the agreement also mentions that Ukraine will receive other important defence equipment in the future. This includes the next-generation SAMP-T air defence system, which is still being developed, as well as radar systems and drones. These systems are expected to strengthen Ukraine’s ability to defend itself in the ongoing war with Russia.

President Macron called it “a great day” and posted a picture of the signing ceremony on X (formerly Twitter). A French official, speaking anonymously to AFP, said the deal will help Ukraine get the military equipment it “needs to respond to Russian aggression.” This was Zelensky’s ninth visit to France since the Russia-Ukraine conflict began in February 2022.

Talks of peace negotiations

This agreement comes at the same time that Russia has said it is ready to restart peace talks with Ukraine. The Russian Foreign Ministry announced through the state news agency TASS that Moscow is prepared to resume negotiations in Türkiye. The war will soon enter its fourth year, and the last round of talks between Russia and Ukraine took place in July. Those talks lasted only 40 minutes and ended without any progress.

A Russian official, Alexei Polishchuk, said Türkiye has repeatedly encouraged both sides to return to the negotiation table. He added that Russia is ready, saying, “The ball is in the Ukrainian court.”

During the July meeting, Ukraine suggested holding a summit in August between Zelensky and Russian President Vladimir Putin in Türkiye. But Russia rejected this idea and said Putin would only meet Zelensky on Russian soil. Ukraine refused that condition, and the talks collapsed. This latest defence agreement with France shows that Ukraine is focusing on strengthening its military while diplomatic efforts remain uncertain.