In a stark illustration of shifting geopolitical alliances, Ukraine has turned to France for a massive 10-year defense deal, including 100 Rafale jets, as the administration of President Donald Trump has halted support from the United States. This new reality has forced European allies to take on the primary responsibility for financing and equipping Kyiv. President Zelensky’s “historical” agreement in Paris marks a decisive pivot toward European defense manufacturers to sustain Ukraine’s fight against the Russian invasion.
The war, now in its fourth year, has left Ukraine entirely dependent on international donors for its financing. The halt in US aid has created a massive gap that the European Union is now struggling to fill. This French deal is a clear sign of Europe’s commitment, with financing set to come from the EU’s €150 billion SAFE loan fund and a G7 plan to tap profits from frozen Russian assets, rather than from Washington.
The 10-year pact is about more than just the Dassault-made Rafales. It is a comprehensive security agreement that also includes the purchase of advanced air defense systems, radars, and drones. Zelensky also announced joint industrial projects with France to produce interceptor drones, further deepening Ukraine’s integration with Europe’s defense industry and moving away from its old reliance on US or Soviet-era systems.
The hardware is needed to combat Russia’s brutal air war. Moscow’s intensified strikes with missiles and glide bombs have killed civilians and targeted the energy grid, causing rolling blackouts. Zelensky’s most urgent plea has been for air defense. During his Paris trip, he praised the French SAMP/T system as “one of the greatest” and confirmed Kyiv would receive eight units to help counter this threat.
This French deal follows a similar letter of intent with Sweden for 150 Saab jets. Together, these agreements show Ukraine building a new, European-based arsenal. This diversification, born from the necessity of the US aid halt, is forging a more resilient and politically independent defense posture for Kyiv for the next decade.