Ukraine thanks France for Mirage 2000 jets, discusses economic ties with UAE

Kyiv acknowledges effectiveness of Mirage fighter jets, highlights Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement implementation with Abu Dhabi

By Alperen Aktas

ISTANBUL (AA) – Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha held a call Friday with his French counterpart, Jean-Noel Barrot, and thanked France after Ukraine deployed French-supplied Mirage 2000 fighter jets for the first time to counter a large-scale Russian airstrike.

“This morning, Ukraine used Mirage 2000 provided by France for the first time to repel Russia’s massive air attack, and they demonstrated great efficiency,” Sybiha wrote on X. “We also coordinated positions ahead of major upcoming events.”

Sybiha also spoke with United Arab Emirates (UAE) Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, and extended his warm wishes for the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, and discussed the result of President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s visit to Abu Dhabi.

The conversation covered the implementation of the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) and cooperation between the two nations, he added.

France has been a key defense partner for Ukraine, providing air defense systems, artillery and now fighter jets.

The UAE, meanwhile, has strengthened economic ties with Kyiv while maintaining a neutral stance in the conflict.

Kaynak: