France’s defense leadership has not reached a decision on training Ukrainian pilots to fly fighter jets. A spokesperson for the ministry indicated ongoing discussions with Kyiv, with no concrete commitment announced at this time. The statement comes as Ukrainian Defense Minister Oleksiy Reznikov visits Paris for talks with French officials.
During the visit, the Ukrainian side is engaging with their French counterparts to explore training opportunities, but the French authorities have not committed to any program yet. Reports from Politico had previously suggested that French officials were weighing a pilot training option, a claim linked to comments attributed to Sebastian Lecornu, the French deputy defense minister. The latest formal remarks reiterate that the matter remains under consideration rather than decided.
On January 31, 2025, Lecornu also indicated that Paris could provide additional military support to Ukraine, including 12 more CAESAR artillery systems, and that a separate training initiative would be pursued for Ukrainian personnel in Poland, with a target of training approximately 600 soldiers each month. These plans reflect a broader French stance on bolstering Ukrainian defense capabilities through a combination of equipment deliveries and personnel preparation. The information aligns with publicly reported statements and emphasizes ongoing coordination with Kyiv as the situation evolves. [DEA News] [Politico] [France Diplomacy Reports]