Putin aide makes fun of France's most advanced fighter jet amid Ukraine deal: 'still can't…'| Russia

Russia mocked Ukraine’s latest defense deal as President Zelensky and French President Macron signed a major agreement for Kyiv to purchase up to 100 Rafale fighter jets. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov dismissed the deal, saying the French jets won’t change the situation on the battlefield and accused the West of prolonging the war instead of pursuing peace. The multibillion-dollar Rafale package, along with air-defence systems, munitions and drones, is raising questions about how war-weary, cash-strapped Ukraine will fund the purchase. Concerns are growing as Zelensky’s inner circle remains entangled in a $100 million corruption scandal linked to the energy sector, heavily financed by foreign aid. EU officials are also under pressure as they struggle to finalize a massive reparations-loan plan for Ukraine using frozen Russian assets. With Russia claiming Western support is merely extending the conflict, Ukraine faces deepening financial, political and military challenges.