Kyiv Negotiates with Paris on Fighter Jets

Kyiv is discussing the possibility of supplying combat aircraft to Ukraine with Paris. This was announced by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, according to TASS.

"Yes, we are negotiating regarding fighters," Zelensky stated in response to a question from the French TV channel LCI about the potential supply of Mirage 2000 fighter jets to Kyiv.

At the same time, the President did not provide further details on the progress of the negotiations.

On February 16, the head of Ukraine's Defense Ministry Chief Intelligence Directorate, Kyrylo Budanov, stated that Kyiv hopes to receive Mirage 2000 fighter jets from Paris. In September 2023, the French platform Intelligence Online reported that Kyiv and Paris were close to signing an agreement for the transfer of these jets to the Ukrainian armed forces.

In turn, Ukraine's ambassador to France, Vadym Omelchenko, mentioned in an interview with Le Point on February 23 that Paris and Kyiv are currently working on training Ukrainian pilots. He urged not to believe reports about the potential supply of Mirage 2000D aircraft, stating that the Ukrainian armed forces had chosen the American F-16s but added that Ukraine continues to consider all available options for Western assistance.