France is ready to train Ukrainian pilots, says President Macron

By Nur Asena Erturk

ANKARA (AA) – France is ready to train Ukrainian pilots, President Emmanuel Macron said on Monday.

"We have opened the door to train pilots, with several other European countries which are ready," Macron said in an interview with French broadcaster TF1 the day after he hosted Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Paris.

"I think discussions continue with the Americans," he added. "The training can start right away."

The French leader, however, did not mention which aircraft will be used to train those pilots.

"France always had the same stance," Macron continued when asked about delivering French fighter jets to Ukraine.

Paris supports Ukrainian resistance, he said.

"We do not wage war against Russia," he stressed. "This means that we would not deliver arms that could reach Russian soil or attack Russia."

Zelenskyy took up a surprise visit to Paris on Sunday and met Macron.

The leaders discussed military aid to Ukraine and possible sanctions "to weaken Russia's ability to continue its illegal war of aggression," according to a joint statement issued by the French presidency.

The Ukrainian president for months has been pleading for fighter jets from its European supporters, including France.