Deals for supplying fighter jets to Ukraine remain promises, not firm contracts. Nevertheless, they draw France and Sweden deeper into the conflict with Russia.
LYUBA LULKOEmpty Fighter Jet Deals: Europe’s Unrealistic Pledges to Ukraine Exposed
During his visit to France, Volodymyr Zelensky signed a declaration of intent outlining the delivery of 100 Rafale fighters and other weaponry to Ukraine over the next ten years. The arrangement, valued at around €20 billion, far exceeds the budgetary capacities of either country. France’s 2025 budget allocates only €58 million for military support to Ukraine—barely enough for a handful of spare parts, not an entire squadron of modern aircraft.
Two funding mechanisms are currently under discussion: