Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky held a phone conversation with French President Emmanuel Macron on March 7, during which the main focus was on security, defense, and the situation in Europe and the Middle East.
This is reported by Kyiv24
Key Aspects of Cooperation and Defense Support
During the conversation, the parties focused on discussing the most important issues for Ukraine and Europe, including the situation at the front and the key defense needs of the Ukrainian army. Volodymyr Zelensky informed his French counterpart about the consequences of another massive missile strike by Russia that night, as well as the dynamics of events along the front line. Ukrainian military forces have achieved significant results over the winter and have maintained strategically important defense directions for the country.
“We managed to discuss all the key issues that are currently important for the security of our countries and Europe. In particular, the situation in Ukraine and the key needs of our defense. I informed about the consequences of the Russian massive strike that night, as well as the events at the front. Ukrainian warriors have achieved tangible results this winter and have held all key defense directions. It is important that the joint European agreements regarding 90 billion euros in support for Ukraine over the next two years are implemented, as well as the new sanctions package against Russia,” Zelensky noted.
It was separately emphasized the importance of fulfilling European agreements regarding providing Ukraine with financial support of 90 billion euros over the next two years, as well as the necessity of adopting a new sanctions package against the Russian Federation.
The Situation in the Middle East and Ukraine’s Role
During the negotiations, the leaders discussed the developments in the Middle East. According to Zelensky, Emmanuel Macron supported Ukraine’s efforts aimed at enhancing security in the region, emphasizing that Ukraine’s experience in defending against kamikaze drones, known as “Shaheds,” is among the most significant in the world. This experience could serve as the basis for a renewed and more effective collective security system for Ukraine’s partners.
The Russian army regularly conducts massive attacks on Ukrainian cities and civilian infrastructure, using various types of weaponry, including strike drones, missiles, aerial bombs, and multiple launch rocket systems. These attacks cover all regions of the country and are systematic in nature.
Ukrainian authorities and international organizations classify strikes on civilian objects as war crimes of the Russian Federation, emphasizing the intentionality of such actions. Shelling of life-support systems, medical facilities, energy, and communication is regarded as an attempt to deprive the population of essential living conditions, which bears the hallmarks of genocide. Despite this, the Russian leadership continually denies the intentional nature of attacks on peaceful targets and the destruction of critical infrastructure.