Macron, Zelensky to sign security deal in Paris Friday

On Friday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky will meet with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz in Berlin before heading to Paris to sign a defense deal with French President Emmanuel Macron.

Amidst the third year of Russia's invasion, and facing ammunition shortages and new offensives in the east, Kyiv looks to shore up security ties. Details of the Paris agreement remain undisclosed, but it builds on G7 promises of long-standing support, made during the Vilnius NATO summit in July 2023.

Germany is discussing a similar pact with Ukraine, while the UK has already signed one in January, with more negotiations underway with other nations, likely focusing on military aid and training.

Zelensky is also slated to speak at the Munich Security Conference and will engage with US Vice President Kamala Harris alongside leaders from the Czech Republic, Denmark, and the Netherlands.

French support has been significant for Ukraine since 2022. Although Macron hinted at visiting Ukraine this February, plans stay unconfirmed. He has prompted the French defense sector to bolster production and encouraged European readiness to sustain Ukraine—even if US support wanes.