Ukrainian pilots to begin training on French Rafale jets, Zelensky says

What happened

The Kyiv Independent reports that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky revealed after a phone call with French President Emmanuel Macron that Ukrainian pilots will soon start training on French Rafale fighter jets in France. This comes as part of a new defense assistance package from France expected to arrive soon amid relentless Russian aerial strikes targeting Ukraine.

Outside Brief is treating this as a source-led account. Any disputed responsibility, casualty figure, battlefield claim or single-source assertion should be treated as unconfirmed/hearsay unless confirmed by another reliable source or a named official. Zelensky described this as a significant step forward for Ukraine’s combat aviation, building on Kyiv’s 2025 announcement of its aim to purchase 100 Rafale jets to expand its fleet of Western-made aircraft. The Rafale is described as a 4.5-generation multirole fighter and one of the most advanced European jets currently available.

France is noted as a consistent ally to Ukraine, having previously supplied Kyiv with long-range missiles and intelligence support. Zelensky also highlighted ongoing cooperation to localize production of French missiles and aerial bombs on Ukrainian soil, as well as France’s commitment to Freyja, a joint European anti-ballistic missile defense project involving Ukrainian defense firm Fire Point.

Known from the source

• Ukrainian pilots will soon begin training on French Rafale jets in France, as stated by President Zelensky.
• France is preparing a new defense assistance package for Ukraine expected soon.
• Ukraine announced in 2025 an aim to purchase 100 Rafale jets.
• The Rafale is a 4.5-generation multirole fighter jet among the most advanced European jets.
• France has provided Ukraine with long-range missiles and intelligence support.

What remains unclear

In addition to his talks with Macron, Zelensky spoke by phone with Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk about preparations for trilateral peace talks involving Ukraine, the U.S., and Russia. Zelensky stated that Ukraine is ready for technical-level negotiations pending U.S. efforts to ensure Russia’s readiness. The discussion also touched on Ukraine’s preparations for the approaching winter amid Russian attacks on energy infrastructure.

What remains unclear: Confirm whether the central claim is corroborated; until then treat it as unconfirmed/hearsay. Exact timeline for the start of Ukrainian pilot training on Rafale jets. Detailed contents and delivery schedule of the new French defense assistance package. Confirmation of the current status and specific plans for the acquisition of Rafale jets by Ukraine.

Evidence note

This story contains report-led claims. The article keeps those claims attributed and treats them as unconfirmed/hearsay unless independently corroborated.

Original source: Kyiv Independent. Open the source.