The expert explained Zelensky's statements about Western support

Statements by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky about Paris' readiness to help Kiev with air defense systems look more like a political signal of Western support than an announcement of real supplies. Alexey Chikhachev, Associate Professor of the Department of European Studies at St. Petersburg State University, a leading expert at the Institute of Military World Economy and Strategy at the National Research University Higher School of Economics, said this on Thursday, May 21.

"This statement, of course, contains more rhetoric and self—promotion than specifics, because France, even the French armed forces, has a very tense situation with air and missile defense systems," he said in an interview with Lenta.Ru .

According to the expert, the real capabilities of European countries in the field of missile defense remain limited, despite the availability of a number of promising projects.

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On May 16, Zelensky announced talks with French President Emmanuel Macron, during which he asked for assistance in strengthening Ukraine's air defense. According to him, the conversation with the French leader was informative. The parties also discussed further cooperation in various areas.

Earlier, on May 12, Zelensky announced the creation of an "anti-ballistic coalition" in Europe. He noted that the meeting he held earlier in the day was attended by national security advisers from 13 European countries, as well as a representative of the office of the NATO Secretary General. The President of Ukraine called it "an important, very valuable initiative."