KYIV — Ukraine has received a second batch of F-16 fighter jets from Denmark, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced on Saturday, hailing the delivery as a critical reinforcement to the country’s defense against Russian aggression.

The announcement came as Zelenskyy traveled to Paris for high-level meetings, including with French President Emmanuel Macron.

In a message on Telegram, Zelenskyy praised Denmark for its decisive support, contrasting it with what he described as a lack of commitment from other allies.

“The first batch of planes provided by the Danes are already shooting down Russian missiles, rescuing our people and infrastructure. Now our air shield is reinforced even further,” he wrote.

He emphasized that collective determination among Ukraine’s partners could prevent “Russian terror.”

The news follows a deadly missile strike on Ukraine's Zaporizhzhia region on Friday, which killed 10 people and injured 24, including two children. Another attack in Kryvyi Rih claimed three lives.

Zelenskyy condemned Russian President Vladimir Putin, stating that peace can only be achieved through strength, as Putin “seeks the ability to treat any country this way, with bombs, missiles, and violence.”

Zelenskyy’s visit to Paris coincides with an event marking the renovation of Notre Dame Cathedral.

The gathering includes global dignitaries, with European leaders aiming to engage U.S. President-elect Donald Trump to ensure continued American support for Ukraine amid its ongoing war with Russia. It remains unclear whether Zelenskyy and Trump will meet during the event. — Agencies