Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced Saturday that Denmark has delivered a second batch of F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine, bolstering the country's air defense capabilities amid ongoing Russian attacks.
The delivery comes as Zelenskyy heads to Paris for meetings with world leaders and to attend celebrations marking the renovation of Notre Dame Cathedral.
"The first batch of Danish planes are already shooting down Russian missiles, protecting our people and infrastructure," Zelenskyy said via Telegram. "Now our air shield is even stronger." The president also expressed frustration that not all allies showed similar commitment to supporting Ukraine's defense needs.
The announcement follows a deadly Russian missile strike on Friday in Ukraine's Zaporizhzhia region that killed 10 people and injured 24 others, including two children, at a service station. Another attack in Kryvyi Rih claimed three more lives.
Addressing the recent violence, Zelenskyy accused Russian President Vladimir Putin of rejecting genuine peace efforts, stating Putin only seeks to maintain the ability to use force against other nations. "Only through strength can we resist this. And only through strength can real peace be established," the Ukrainian leader declared.
In Paris, Zelenskyy is expected to meet French President Emmanuel Macron and other dignitaries at the Notre Dame celebration. The event may also be attended by U.S. President-elect Donald Trump, though it remains unclear if the two leaders will meet. European officials hope to use the occasion to encourage continued American support for Ukraine in its defense against Russia's three-year invasion.