During a visit to Kyiv, France’s Minister of the Armed Forces and Veterans, Catherine Vautrin, signed a letter of intent with her Ukrainian counterpart to collaborate on the development and production of advanced defence technologies.
The agreement focuses on drones and data systems, aiming to combine Ukraine’s innovative capabilities with France’s technological expertise to strengthen both nations’ security, Caliber.Az reports per her post on X.
The trip was made at the invitation of Ukrainian officials and was framed as a demonstration of strengthened bilateral cooperation amid renewed Russian strikes on civilian and energy infrastructure, which are occurring during a period of extreme temperatures
During meetings in Kyiv, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy briefed the French minister on the impact of recent attacks on critical infrastructure. Vautrin conveyed France’s solidarity with the Ukrainian people and praised their resilience in the face of ongoing aggression.
In discussions with her Ukrainian counterpart, she reaffirmed France’s commitment to supporting Ukraine’s immediate operational needs, including air defence, and highlighted France’s contribution through the European €90 billion loan mechanism aimed at reinforcing Ukraine’s security.
The visit also emphasised long-term cooperation centered on defence industry and innovation. Accompanied by the director of AMIAD, Vautrin met with representatives of the Brave1 defence innovation cluster and toured a Ukrainian combat drone manufacturing facility.
French officials indicated that the new Brave1 France–Ukraine initiative would become operational in the near future.
Talks further covered the Coalition of the Willing, future security guarantees for Ukraine following the end of hostilities, and ongoing diplomatic efforts toward a just and lasting peace. Vautrin reiterated that France would continue to stand alongside Ukraine.
By Sabina Mammadli
