“Historic” scale or “declaration of intent”: experts on Zelenskyy’s agreements in Paris
17 November 18:50
During his visit to Paris, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy signed several large-scale documents on military cooperation with France. The main focus was on the agreement on the supply of Rafale aircraft and SAMP/T air defense systems. Kyiv calls these agreements “historic,” but experts warn against inflated expectations of an immediate impact on the military balance.
Strategic nature of the agreements
Political analyst Ruslan Bortnik in a commentary
“These are really strategic documents on the joint production and supply of Rafale. In some ways, they are similar to the agreement with Sweden on 150 Gripen aircraft by 2030. The scale and long-term perspective of these agreements are strategic,” he explained.
However, Bortnik clarifies that at this stage, these are agreements of intent, and their implementation will depend on numerous intergovernmental agreements, the availability of funding, and the political and military situation.
“So far, they will not have a quick effect at the front or change the military balance between Ukraine and Russia,” Bortnyk says.
SAMP/T is a new level of air defense
Military expert Dmitry Snegirev in a commentary
“We are talking about joint Franco-Italian production, and Italy will play a key role here. These systems will allow to create a multi-echelon air defense of Ukraine and protect critical logistics and energy infrastructure,” he said.
Snegiryov notes that the number of Patriots already delivered is limited, so SAMP/T will significantly enhance the capabilities of Ukrainian air defense, but will not provide full coverage of the entire territory.
Long-term perspective
Both experts agree: the signed documents are strategic in nature, but their effect will be felt in the long run. We should not expect an immediate impact on the course of hostilities.
Political scientist Bortnik emphasizes:
“These agreements are declarations of intent. They are important for sending a diplomatic signal and planning for decades to come, but they don’t change anything on the frontline yet.”
Expert Snegirev adds:
“This is the foundation for creating a modern air defense. This will make it easier for Ukraine to build its own strategic defense in the future, but not now, in the current battles.”
