Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed his hope to see French warplanes in the skies of Ukraine, following President Emmanuel Macron’s announcement that France intends to supply Mirage (2000-5) fighter planes to Kiev. Zelensky expressed frustration at the slow decision-making process of Western allies in providing military support to Ukraine in its conflict against Russian forces.
Addressing French lawmakers, Zelensky stated his confidence that Ukrainian pilots would one day fly the same planes seen in the skies of Normandy during the 80th anniversary celebrations of D-Day. He emphasized that the exceptional fighter planes, under Ukrainian command, would demonstrate the strength of Europe against those who seek to threaten it.
The Mirage (2000-5) is a single-engine multi-role fighter aircraft. Although France plans to replace its current fleet with Rafale aircraft by 2030, they are also seeking to convince other Mirage-owning countries to supply them to Ukraine.