Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said he "had a productive conversation" with French President Emmanuel Macron and emphasized "the importance of inviting Ukraine to NATO and expanding the long-range capabilities" of the Ukrainian army.

"I thanked for France's readiness to help with the urgent strengthening of Ukraine's air defense, as well as for comprehensive defense support and accelerating the process of transferring Mirage aircraft," Zelenskyy said on the Telegram channel on Friday evening.

"We discussed in detail how to strengthen air defense and protect the lives of our people. I emphasized the importance of inviting Ukraine to NATO, expanding long-range capabilities – not only as a necessary measure to counter Russian aggression, but also to bring peace closer – and continuing to train and equip Ukrainian brigades both on the territories of Alliance member states and through the development of the idea proposed of training missions on Ukrainian territory by France," the Ukrainian head of state said.