Zelensky before dinner with Macron: 'Ukraine's defensive and offensive capabilities grow with every visit'

President Volodymyr Zelensky confirmed on the evening of May 14 that he would meet with French counterpart Emmanuel Macron, adding that "Ukraine's defensive and offensive capabilities grow with every visit."

"Ukraine's connection to Europe is only growing stronger, while pressure on Russia is increasing," said Zelensky before the meeting, where he said that the "most important questions of bilateral relations" would be discussed.

According to Le Figaro, Zelensky will meet with French President Emmanuel Macron for a "working dinner," at which the pair will discuss "the support that France continues to provide in response to Ukraine's urgent military and humanitarian needs."

The visit comes amid a brief European tour by Zelensky. The Ukrainian president first visited Rome on May 13 for meetings with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni as well as Pope Francis, and then.

Zelensky then travelled to Berlin on May 14, where he met with German officials including Chancellor Olaf Scholz, thanking Germany for a new $2.7 million military aid package and reiterating Kyiv's plea for Western combat aircraft.

Ukraine war latest: Ukraine makes localized advances near Bakhmut

Key developments on May 12: * Ukraine’s Defense Ministry: Ukraine advances 2 kilometers toward Bakhmut * Military: Signs of exhaustion evident among Russian forces on battlefield * 24th Separate Assault Battalion says it recaptured Russian positions southwest of Bakhmut * Wagner chief attacks R…

Kyiv IndependentAsami Terajima