Zelensky: Ukrainian pilots to begin training on French Rafales

Ukrainian pilots will soon begin training on French Rafale fighter jets in France, and a new package of French military aid is already being prepared.

This was announced by Volodymyr Zelensky on Monday, October 5, following a phone call with French President Emmanuel Macron.

During the call, Macron condemned Russia’s intensified strikes on civilian infrastructure, calling them “irresponsible,” and said France would help Ukraine intercept drones. The conversation took place against the backdrop of Russian statements about stepping up strikes on Ukraine’s energy system ahead of winter. Moscow also called on foreigners and diplomats to leave Kyiv in anticipation of what it described as massive new strikes.

What the two leaders said

“New weapons deliveries are now being prepared, and we expect a new aid package to arrive in Ukraine soon,” Zelensky wrote on X.

He described the Rafale training as “an important step forward for Ukraine’s combat aviation.” Zelensky also added that both countries “continue working on the localization of production of French missiles and aerial bombs in Ukraine.” He further stated that France is participating in the Freyja project — a joint European anti-ballistic missile led by Ukrainian defense company Fire Point. Details, Zelensky said, will be discussed at an in-person meeting, the date of which he did not announce.

In his post on X, Macron said Russia “stubbornly rejects all calls for a ceasefire” and has chosen to escalate strikes on civilian targets “in violation of the fundamental principles of international humanitarian law.” He noted that the leaders discussed “concrete support we can provide to help Ukraine intercept drones,” but gave no further details.

“We will yield neither to Russia’s intimidation nor to its escalation, and make no mistake: time is working against it,” Macron said.

What is known about the fighter jet deal

In 2025, Kyiv announced its intention to purchase 100 Rafale fighters — generation 4.5 multirole aircraft. Under a roadmap agreed in July, Ukraine announced a first order for 16 aircraft, and the first Ukrainian pilots could begin training in France in 2026.

Attacks continue, peace talks stalled

Also on Monday, Zelensky said two Russian drones attacked a vessel carrying corn in the Black Sea belonging to a Turkish company and killed its captain. According to Romanian authorities, the 139-meter vessel Royad Mamedov caught fire and sank approximately 30 nautical miles south of Sfântu Gheorghe. Two crew members were killed and 11 others were rescued. Four people were killed in daytime strikes on Ukraine that same day, including two in Kharkiv.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz visited Kyiv on Sunday, October 4, and pledged additional financial aid. Peace efforts remain stalled. Zelensky said Washington wants to hold technical-level talks between Ukraine and Russia before the end of October. In a separate phone call on Monday, he told Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk: “There are no obstacles on our side, but it is important that the American side prepares on its end and ensures Russia’s readiness.”