In a stark demonstration of the new geopolitical landscape, Ukraine has secured a “historical” 10-year defense pact with France, including 100 Rafale jets, as the Trump administration continues to halt US support. This move, finalized by President Zelensky in Paris, shows Kyiv successfully pivoting to European partners to fill the massive financial and military gap left by Washington’s policy reversal.
The Trump administration’s insistence that European allies must “pay for” equipment has forced Ukraine to seek long-term, reliable partnerships elsewhere. France has now stepped into that role, committing to a decade-long agreement that provides a comprehensive suite of advanced weapons, including air defense systems, radars, and drones, all financed without US dollars.
The financing for this new pact will be drawn entirely from European-led initiatives. The French presidency confirmed that the EU’s €150 billion SAFE loan fund would be tapped. In addition, President Zelensky announced that Kyiv would use a G7-backed mechanism that leverages future revenues from immobilized Russian assets, a plan the EU is working to finalize.
This new hardware is desperately needed. Russia has intensified its air war, using missiles and glide bombs to kill civilians and cripple the energy grid. Zelensky’s top priority has been securing more air defenses, and this French deal provides a comprehensive solution that is not dependent on the political climate in Washington.
This French agreement, coupled with a recent letter of intent with Sweden for 150 Saab jets, marks the formalization of a new, European-backed defense strategy for Ukraine. It is a model built on European industrial power and EU funding, designed to sustain Ukraine for a long war without US aid.