France is ready to train Ukrainian fighter jet pilots, says President Emmanuel Macron.
While too early to send fighter jets as requested by the besieged country, the training of fighter pilots now can take place, Macron told French TV viewers.
The pledge followed a surprise visit by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to the presidential palace, the Elysée, on May 14. Macron on that occasion also committed to train several Ukrainian battalions and equip them with armoured vehicles and light tanks.
In their joint statement, Macron and Zelensky called for fresh sanctions against Russia. European leaders are this week discussing another package of measures.
France has been in favour of sending fighter jets to Ukraine since earlier this year, but Ukraine is yet to receive any Western planes. There have been rumours that France has already given Ukrainian pilots “extensive” training on Mirage jets, a French-made aircraft.
The extra support comes on the eve of a much-anticipated spring offence by the Ukrainian side.
US President Joe Biden has in the past said he is not willing to send F-16 jets, though some analysts think this policy could change. Air superiority is important for offensive military action.
Zelensky is on a European tour and has already visited the UK. British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak promised a military aid package including armed drones and a programme to train Ukrainian pilots for transition to F-16 aircraft.
UK defence minister Ben Wallace last week confirmed the delivery of Storm Shadow air-launched cruise missiles to Ukraine, Kiev’s first long-range arms of this type. The Storm Shadows have reportedly already been used against Russian targets, in tandem with the advanced ADM-160B MALD decoys.
These missiles could be used to destroy Russian command and control centres, though the Russian army has proven in the past that it can adapt, as it did after being attacked by American medium-range HIMAR missiles.
??️ Contre-offensive ukrainienne : “Nous formerons des pilotes ukrainiens”, annonce @EmmanuelMacron, qui assure qu'il n'y a pas de "tabou"
▶ Dans #LE20H de @GillesBouleau pic.twitter.com/NacPYQ6cQX
— TF1Info (@TF1Info) May 15, 2023
