Overview
- Emmanuel Macron and Volodymyr Zelensky signed a memorandum of intent that envisions Ukraine acquiring 100 Rafale fighters and SAMP-T air-defense systems.
- Zelensky stated that Kyiv expects to receive 100 Rafales from France.
- A French MEP and defense analysts characterized the announcement as a staged publicity move that does not bind either side.
- Experts pointed to export prices exceeding $100 million per aircraft and manufacturer backlogs stretching past 2030 as major hurdles.
- The Russian government repeated warnings that Western arms deliveries to Ukraine impede a settlement and will be treated as legitimate targets.