Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky visited France and met with French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz to urge fighter jet support.
According to foreign media such as the Guardian on the 8th (local time), President Zelensky visited Paris, France following a surprise visit to the UK that day, and had a dinner with President Macron and Prime Minister Scholz at the Elysee Palace.
“The sooner Ukraine gets long-range heavy weapons, and the sooner our pilots get fighter jets, the sooner the Russian aggression will end and Europe can return to peace,” Zelensky said.
President Macron said, “The future of Europe depends on Ukraine,” but did not specifically mention support such as fighter jets, the Guardian reported. However, President Macron said he would “continue to work” on fighter support.
“We have supported Ukraine financially, with humanitarian aid and weapons,” Scholz said, adding that “we will continue to do so for as long as necessary.” Earlier, Germany approved the export of 178 Leopard 1 tanks to Ukraine.
President Zelensky will also attend a special European Union (EU) summit to be held in Brussels, Belgium on the 9th.
Prior to his visit to Paris, President Zelensky also made a surprise visit to the United Kingdom to urge Western countries to provide fighter jets and other support.
After giving a speech to the British Parliament that day, he presented a Ukrainian fighter pilot helmet to British House Speaker Lindsey Hoyle, saying, “We have freedom,” and “Please support the wings to protect it.”
Prior to this, he held a meeting with Prime Minister Rishi Sunak at the Prime Minister’s residence at 10 Downing Street in London.
On the same day, Britain announced additional sanctions against Russia to coincide with President Zelensky’s visit.
The sanctions include six organizations that provided military equipment such as drones, and eight individuals and organizations connected to financial networks that helped a high-ranking Russian official maintain his wealth and power, the British government said.
Source: Donga
Mark Jones is a world traveler and journalist for News Rebeat. With a curious mind and a love of adventure, Mark brings a unique perspective to the latest global events and provides in-depth and thought-provoking coverage of the world at large.