Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy says he has signed a deal with France to obtain 100 Rafale warplanes as he seeks to bolster the country's long-term military capacity to fight Russia's invasion.

Zelenskiy is visiting Paris for talks with President Emmanuel Macron at a time when heavy Russian drone and missile attacks on Ukraine have increased in recent weeks and Moscow has reported ground advances in the southeastern Zaporizhzhia region.

Zelenskiy told reporters on Monday he had ordered 100 Rafale fighter jets.

"It will be the greatest air defence, one of the greatest in the world," Zelenskiy said after he signed a letter of intent with Macron in front of a Rafale jet and the French and Ukrainian flags at Villacoublay military airport.

The Elysee confirmed the number, without im

See Full Page