Ukraine and France Agree to Joint Arms Production

Kyiv. Ukraine and France have agreed to jointly start arms production. The decision was announced following a meeting of defense ministers in Kyiv.

France has remained a key ally of Ukraine. Since Russia launched its invasion nearly four years ago, France has continuously provided Ukraine not only with military aid but also with political support.

Following the meeting in Kyiv, Ukrainian Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov announced on social media that a letter of intent was signed between the two countries to advance 'large-scale joint projects' in the defense industry. He stated, "We are now moving towards joint production and long-term solutions, not just supplies, which will systematically strengthen our defense capabilities."

Details regarding which weapons will be produced and when production will commence have not yet been disclosed. Discussions during the meeting also covered the provision of additional French weapons and military equipment to Ukraine, reportedly including missile systems, fighter jets, and air defense systems.

French Defense Minister Catherine Colonna expressed commitment on social media on Sunday, stating, 'France stands with the Ukrainian people and always will.' France announced military aid worth two billion euros to Ukraine last year.

In November, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and French President Emmanuel Macron also signed a letter of intent regarding the potential provision of advanced fighter jets to Ukraine.

According to experts, the agreement on joint arms production is expected to strengthen Ukraine's defense industry and advance European security cooperation to a new phase.