President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with French President Emmanuel Macron at the Élysée Palace on the eve of the European leaders' summit on Ukraine. During the negotiations, security guarantees for Ukraine, a possible truce, military assistance, and the participation of a European contingent were discussed.
New military aid package from France
President of France announced a new military aid package for Ukraine worth 2 billion euros. It includes:
- Anti-tank missiles MILAN
- Air Defense Systems ППО
- MICA missiles MICA
- Aircraft equipment Mirage
- Ground defense missiles Mistral
- Armored vehicles AMX-10RC
- Ammunitions, including remotely controlled ones
Additionally, some military equipment will be produced directly in Ukraine in cooperation with European defense enterprises.
Truce and Russia's position
Ukraine agreed on March 11 to a 30-day full ceasefire without preconditions. However, Russia has not yet accepted this proposal.
Zelensky: "So far, Russia rejects the proposal for complete silence – that is a clear sign."
Macron: "In Jeddah, Ukraine clearly expressed to the USA its agreement to a full ceasefire without any preconditions. We expect the same commitments from Russia."
The issue of ensuring security in the Black Sea was also discussed, where Moscow is trying to impose additional conditions.
Potential involvement of the European contingent
Ukraine is negotiating with European partners regarding the possible deployment of military contingents on its territory.
Zelensky: "Our general staffs have been working for several weeks on the format of the contingent, its quantitative composition, and capabilities. Tomorrow, there will be significant representation from many countries, and the main question is – who is ready for this step."
Macron: "We will not leave Ukraine alone"
The French president assured that support for Ukraine will continue.
- "We support a ceasefire at sea and in the air, but Russia rejects it."
- "We will not leave Ukraine alone."
- "We will discuss how to monitor the ceasefire and work towards a long-term peace."
Additionally, Macron stated that France welcomes the US initiative on ceasing hostilities and will pressure Russia to achieve stable peace.
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The meeting between Zelensky and Macron demonstrated the unity of France and Ukraine in countering Russian aggression. It is expected that the "coalition of willing" summit scheduled for March 27 will bring more clarity regarding military support for Ukraine and security guarantees.
