French President Emmanuel Macron stated on television that Paris is prepared to commence training Ukrainian pilots. In a broadcast on the TF1 channel, he announced that the doors are open for such training and that it can begin immediately.
Macron emphasized that France, alongside several other European nations, is ready to start training Ukrainian pilots at once, while discussions with the United States on this matter are continuing.
He also cautioned that France has not confirmed any commitment to supplying military aircraft to Ukraine, describing that possibility as only a theoretical topic at this stage.
According to Macron, the current priorities involve training and the maintenance of weapons already delivered to Ukraine. He added that France would keep providing ammunition and take care of repairs for weapons it has supplied in the past.
Earlier, a UK government source announced that training for Ukrainian pilots would begin there during the summer, with pilots receiving support to broaden their piloting capabilities to operate a variety of aircraft.
Additionally, Britain indicated plans to send long-range missiles and unmanned aerial vehicles to Ukraine in the coming months, with officials stating these weapons would reach Ukraine shortly after deployment.
Analysts note that Western partners are coordinating on a multi-pronged approach to bolster Ukraine’s air capabilities, focusing on training, maintenance, and the provision of compatible equipment while avoiding immediate commitments on larger combat aircraft. A spokesperson for allied governments stressed that any such steps would be contingent on ongoing assessments of security needs, credible requests from Kyiv, and broader strategic considerations across Europe and North America. The discussions reflect a broader pattern where allied nations seek to support Ukraine through capacity-building, logistical support, and the rapid deployment of compatible systems rather than signing for high-level military transfers all at once. In this context, the emphasis remains on practical, immediate, and measurable help that can be scaled as the situation evolves. At the same time, European partners continue to explore a coordinated framework to ensure interoperability among training programs, maintenance facilities, and the supply chains that underpin sustained support for Ukraine’s defense needs.
Overall, officials caution that while training and routine maintenance form a critical part of ongoing support, decisions on broader military aid will depend on evolving military assessments, political considerations, and the priorities of the Ukrainian leadership, as well as the readiness of partner states to participate in a sustained effort that complements existing aid streams and diplomatic efforts.
In sum, the current moment signals a clear intention among France and its European allies to step up training and logistical support for Ukrainian forces, while keeping larger weapons transfers under careful review as part of a measured, alliance-driven strategy.