Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky held a "productive and substantive" conversation with French President Emmanuel Macron, discussing critical defense needs including air defense strengthening, drone production financing, and the training of Ukrainian pilots on Mirage jets. The leaders also talked about Ukraine's path to European integration, with an agreement to work towards opening the first negotiation cluster as soon as possible. During the call, Zelensky informed Macron about the outcome of a third meeting with the Russian side in Istanbul, where a new prisoner exchange was agreed upon. Ukraine awaits a response to its proposal for a high-level meeting by the end of August, emphasizing the need for European representatives to be present. Zelensky also updated Macron on the operational status of Ukraine's anti-corruption infrastructure, noting that a presidential bill guarantees the independence and effectiveness of these bodies. France has expressed readiness to support Ukraine in financing drone production and will continue pilot training on Mirage jets. The conversation also touched upon the supply of additional missiles for the SAMP/T and Crotale air defense systems. Zelensky highlighted that the reform law for ARMA has been signed, which is one of three reforms required for Ukraine to receive the full EU tranche under the Ukraine Facility, bringing new rules for ARMA leadership, transparency, and oversight. In military developments, Ukrainian intelligence reported additional launches of Shahed-136/131 shock UAVs from the Halino aerodrome in the Kursk region. Ukrainian forces also reported repelling an enemy mechanized assault, destroying one enemy tank, three BMPs, and four buggies, while eliminating 38 invaders. Separately, an attack by two Ukrainian forces' UAVs reportedly destroyed a technical building at Zhutovo station in the Volgograd region. Austrian Foreign Minister Beate Meinl-Reisinger stated that Austrian authorities are open to discussing NATO membership and abandoning the country's neutral status due to Russia's aggressive policies. The American company Bell Helicopters plans to invest in Ukrainian industry and expand helicopter production in Ukraine.
