The president was at a base in the Grand Est region, where 2,300 Kiev troops are being trained, as part of Paris’ support for Ukraine in the conflict with Russia, aid that has greatly strained relations with Moscow.

Macron said following the visit that a brigade will be armed and equipped with the support of France, which has already supplied the Ukrainian army with missiles, armored vehicles and Caesar self-propelled guns.

The head of state also promised Ukraine the sending of Mirage 2000 fighters, amid Russia’s warnings to NATO that such a stance will only extend the war. The French presidency announced that Macron will meet Ukrainian President Zelensky tomorrow, who is on a European tour, including a visit to Germany on Friday.

This meeting will allow France to reaffirm its long-standing support for Kyiv, the Elysée said in a statement.

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