Zelenskyy hails European unity on Ukraine defense, €2B aid package from France

By Alperen Aktas

ISTANBUL (AA) – Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said the meeting of European leaders in Paris focused on strengthening Ukraine, pressuring Russia for peace, and coordinating joint security efforts, as he welcomed new defense support packages for Kyiv.

“There are concrete new defense packages for Ukraine – in particular, France has prepared a €2 billion ($2.2 billion) defense package,” Zelenskyy said in a statement following the Paris meeting.

He noted that military representatives from supporting nations would now work out technical details, and praised ongoing cooperation to expand drone and weapons production.

“Together with our partners, we will produce even more drones and other weapons to defend lives,” he added.

Zelenskyy also emphasized the importance of maintaining sanctions on Russia, saying they “must remain in place as long as the aggression continues.”

“I thank every leader and every nation that helps Ukraine. I thank France and the United Kingdom for making our format – the coalition of the willing and capable of working to ensure security – effective,” he said.