❗️ Zelensky said Ukraine will receive licenses to produce SCALP missiles, AASM bombs, and Aster 30 missiles. France will provide 2 SAMP/T systems this year and speed up Aster 30 deliveries by October. Ukraine will buy 16 Rafale fighters, with pilot and mechanic training starting this year.
Zelensky said Ukrainian forces struck a refinery in Bashkortostan, about 1,300 km from the front, and the Afipsky refinery in Krasnodar region. He also confirmed hits on a patrol ship and a shadow fleet tanker near Gelendzhik, plus 3 tankers in the Sea of Azov.
❗️ Bulgaria is leaving the Coalition of the Willing supporting Ukraine, Bloomberg reported. Prime Minister Radev said the country would withdraw. He has criticized military aid to Ukraine while denying that his position is pro-Russian.
❗️ Moldova and North Macedonia have joined the Coalition of the Willing, Zelensky said. The coalition now includes 40 countries.
Macron said Ukraine will receive Rafale fighters in 2028 to 2029 and licenses to produce Aster-30 missiles for SAMP/T, AASM Hammer guided bombs, and SCALP cruise missiles. Zelensky said Ukraine currently lacks interceptors against ballistic missiles but has developed an antiballistic missile. He added that Ukraine and its partners could build a joint antiballistic system within 12 months.
The UK has joined the EU’s €90 billion Ukraine support program, allowing British defense companies to compete for contracts financed through the loan. Prime Minister Keir Starmer said the agreement could unlock billions in investment, support skilled jobs across the UK, and strengthen Britain’s defense industrial base.
❗️Zelensky said Ukraine is finalizing an antiballistic missile for the FREYA project, while European partners can contribute radars and other critical components. Representatives from FP, Thales, HENSOLDT, Diehl Defence, Saab, Kongsberg, Weibel, Leonardo, MBDA, Eurosam, Safran, and Destinus joined the coalition meeting. Zelensky called for political confirmation that FREYA is a shared project.
❗️Bulgarian Foreign Minister Velislava Petrova-Chamova said Patriarch Kirill was removed from the EU’s 21st sanctions package on Russia. She argued sanctions should focus on economic damage and hurt Russia more than EU states. Two other EU countries also oppose parts of the package.
Zelensky awarded French President Emmanuel Macron Ukraine’s Order of Liberty, the country’s highest state honor for foreigners, ahead of a Coalition of the Willing meeting with representatives from 25 countries.
RBC-Ukraine reports Naftogaz CEO Serhii Koretskyi is the leading candidate to become Ukraine’s next prime minister. According to the outlet, parliament could vote this week on Yuliia Svyrydenko’s dismissal, Koretskyi’s appointment, and approval of a new cabinet.
Zelensky and Ukraine’s first lady arrived in France for a Coalition of the Willing summit with leaders from 37 countries. Ukraine will present its antiballistic program at the first joint meeting of leaders, security advisers, and defense companies involved in building a new system.
Zelensky met Kharkiv Mayor Ihor Terekhov, who was offered a government post in recognition of his experience managing a frontline city. Terekhov declined the offer and chose to remain mayor of Kharkiv.
Poland transferred 5 PAC-3 MSE missiles for Patriot air defense systems to Ukraine, Defence24 reported. Polish officials said the decision was coordinated with NATO and the United States and did not affect Poland’s air defense capabilities.
Zelensky said he discussed Ukraine’s defense priorities with Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov, focusing on strengthening air defenses against Russian drone attacks, advancing reforms across the Armed Forces, and improving personnel levels in combat brigades.
Zelensky announced a new political strategy and Cabinet reshuffle. Prime Minister Yuliia Svyrydenko is expected to leave her post and move to a new role overseeing relations with a key partner, while senior officials will be assigned to major foreign policy priorities.