Ukraine, France agree to create EUR200 mln fund to support critical infrastructure, economy from 2026 - Svyrydenko
Prime Minister of Ukraine Yulia Svyrydenko discussed with French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot the issues of weapons, finances, reconstruction and sanctions against the Russian Federation.
"We talked substantively - about weapons, finances, reconstruction, sanctions. French colleagues saw how Kyiv lives after the night attacks. And this very well strengthens the conversation about drones, air defense and fighter jets. We need them right now. So one of the topics is increasing military aid and transition to joint production in Ukraine," Svyrydenko wrote on Telegram following the meeting in Kyiv.
According to her, Economy Minister Oleksiy Sobolev signed two declarations with the French side.
In particular, the first is on the creation of a new fund for EUR200 million to support critical infrastructure and the economy from 2026.
"Last year, demand for the first program exceeded its budget three times - applications for 750 million with 200 available. This is a good signal: Ukrainian and French businesses see joint projects," she wrote.
The second declaration is on the preparation of an intergovernmental agreement on strategic projects: defense, energy, digitalization, critical minerals.
"We are talking not only about investments, but also about cooperation, technologies, and access to European markets," Svyrydenko emphasized.
Separately, the parties discussed the financing of the drone program in 2025, in particular, options are being sought to accelerate procurement and activate other sources of financing.
"And another important aspect is sanctions. The French side shared its thoughts on possible approaches to forming new packages. In particular, on a more flexible format tied to specific goals and time frames," the prime minister wrote.
