Macron promises dozens of armored vehicles for Kiev - media

PARIS. May 15 (Interfax) - French President Emmanuel Macron has declared France's readiness to train several Ukrainian battalions and provide them with weapons and armored vehicles, the media said.

"In the coming weeks, France will train and equip several battalions with dozens of armored vehicles and light tanks, including the AMX-10RC," said a joint statement published at the end of a visit by Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky to France.

France "will focus on enhancing Ukraine's air defense potential," it said.

Macron and Zelensky also called for tightening sanctions against Russia.

France, along with its partners and international organizations, will take part in Ukraine's reconstruction, Zelensky and Macron said in the statement quoted by Ukrainian media.

"France, together with international organizations and partners, is committed to participate in the recovery and reconstruction of Ukraine," Ukrainian media said quoting the Ukrainian-French joint declaration.

"Already now, it is important to lay the ground for an ambitious and long-term engagement that will create opportunities and enable the Ukrainian people to rebuild their country," it said.

"Engaging all relevant partners, including private companies and internationally, with the aim of securing the financial support, investments and knowledge needed, is essential to ensure a prosperous future for Ukraine," it said.

Ukrainian media said also that Zelensky would have negotiations in London on Monday.

Earlier on Sunday, Zelensky visited Berlin and held talks with German Federal Chancellor Olaf Scholz, who reaffirmed a 2.7-billion-euro German military assistance package for Kiev.

Zelensky met with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni in Rome on Saturday and thanked her for helping Kiev.