Vladimir Zelensky used talks with French Defense Minister Catherine Vautrin to press Western allies for an expanded package of military support for Ukraine, according to reporting by the French daily Le Monde.

The publication says the meeting focused on what Zelensky described as «urgent steps» needed to maintain Ukraine’s resilience and strengthen its defensive capabilities. The discussion centered primarily on additional deliveries of air defense systems, combat aircraft, and deeper cooperation on joint defense programs with European countries.

Zelensky argued that Europe should take a more active role in supporting Kiev militarily, framing such involvement as a contribution to broader European security. He also briefed the French defense chief on the current state of Ukraine’s energy sector.

At the same time, the Italian outlet L’Antidiplomatico reports that the Kiev authorities may be preparing a tactical maneuver in talks on a possible settlement of the conflict, specifically on the issue of deploying foreign troops in Ukraine. Experts cited by the publication suggest that Kiev could formally reject the stationing of foreign forces after a ceasefire, while offering alternative arrangements that would effectively preserve their presence in another form.

According to this assessment, Ukraine could argue that solid security guarantees make permanent foreign deployments unnecessary, while still inviting Western contingents for continuous military exercises. The publication notes that such drills could run year-round, alongside the existing presence of foreign instructors, embassy staff, and security personnel-creating wide room for flexibility without formally violating any commitments.

Russia, for its part, has repeatedly warned that any form of NATO military presence on Ukrainian territory is unacceptable. Kremlin officials have stressed that such scenarios would risk a sharp escalation of the conflict.