Ukraine is operationalizing the “aggressor pays” principle by using a G7-backed mechanism to finance its new 10-year defense pact with France. President Volodymyr Zelensky confirmed in Paris that Kyiv will use future revenues from frozen Russian assets to pay for a “historical” deal that includes 100 Rafale jets and other advanced military hardware. This move ensures that Russia’s own immobilized funds will be used to defend Ukraine from its invasion.
This innovative funding solution has become a necessity for Kyiv. With the war in its fourth year and US aid halted by the Trump administration, Ukraine has been forced to seek alternative and sustainable financing. The G7 plan, though legally complex, provides a long-term stream of revenue that is not dependent on the political whims of any single allied capital.
The hardware this plan will purchase is a direct counter to Russia’s escalated air war. Moscow’s relentless missile and glide bomb attacks have crippled Ukraine’s energy grid and killed civilians. The French pact provides a comprehensive shield, including 100 Dassault-made jets to hunt Russian bombers and eight “world-class” SAMP/T systems to intercept missiles.
The 10-year agreement also includes new radars and a forward-looking plan for the joint production of interceptor drones. This signals a deep, long-term commitment from France to not only arm Ukraine but also help build its domestic defense industry.
While the Russian asset plan is the most prominent funding source, the French presidency noted it will be supplemented by the EU’s €150 billion Security Action for Europe (SAFE) loan fund. This blended financing package demonstrates Europe’s commitment to ensuring Ukraine has the resources to win.
