France will send Mirage 2000-5 jets to Ukraine and train pilots by year-end to bolster defense against Russia.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiyy expressed optimism on Friday about the imminent arrival of French-supplied Mirage 2000-5 fighter jets, following President Emmanuel Macron’s announcement that France would provide the aircraft and train Ukrainian pilots by the end of the year.
Zelenskiyy has been vocal about his frustration with the slow pace of military support from Western allies as Ukraine continues its struggle against Russian invasion forces. During an address to French lawmakers, Zelenskiyy drew a poignant parallel to the 80th anniversary of D-Day, expressing hope that Ukraine would soon see the same jets in its skies that were present in Normandy. He emphasized the symbolic power of European fighter jets under Ukrainian command in demonstrating Europe’s strength against threats.
Macron, in his statement, linked the provision of the jets to Europe’s historical resilience, promising unwavering support for Ukraine. While he did not specify the number of Dassault-made Mirages to be provided, Macron assured that the aircraft and necessary training would be delivered within the year. This move aligns with France’s plan to phase out its existing Mirage fleet by 2030, replacing them with Rafale warplanes, and encouraging other Mirage-equipped nations to support Ukraine.
US President Joe Biden also reaffirmed Washington’s commitment to Ukraine, announcing an additional $225 million in weapons aid after his meeting with Zelenskiyy in Paris. Biden emphasized that the United States would not abandon Ukraine during its critical time of need.
Zelenskiyy, addressing France’s National Assembly, received multiple standing ovations as he declared, “Can Putin win the war? No, because we have no right to lose.” He argued that the war could not end with the current territorial lines, as history has shown that evil does not respect boundaries.
France’s immediate plans include training, equipping, and financing an entire brigade of 4,500 Ukrainian soldiers. Macron hinted at the possibility of sending military advisors to Ukraine, although he noted that such a decision would require a collective agreement. He stressed the importance of addressing Ukraine’s urgent needs and indicated that no topic should be off-limits when discussing military support.
In summary, the commitment of Mirage jets from France and continued US support mark significant steps in bolstering Ukraine’s defense capabilities. As Zelenskiyy and Macron align their narratives with historical parallels, they underscore the broader ideological battle against aggression and the enduring strength of allied support for Ukraine.