The arrested major served in an air brigade tasked with shooting down the same Russian drones and missiles his intelligence helped target Ukrainian airbases.
The program addresses Ukraine's critical need for qualified F-16 pilots while keeping training operations safely outside Ukrainian territory where they would be vulnerable to Russian attacks.
Despite initial concerns, France's unexpected election results are expected to bolster rather than diminish support for Ukraine. The victorious left-wing alliance, the New Popular Front, has given control of foreign policy to its moderate factions, who are committed to continuing France's pro-Ukraine stance.
La Tribune says France can transfer only six Mirage 2000-5s, contributions from other nations with the jets - Qatar, Greece, UAE - are needed for more.
The two presidents signed agreements on assistance and provided details on the transfer of French Mirage 2000-5 fighter jets, in addition to announcing a coalition of countries interested in sending military instructors to Ukraine.
On Thursday 6 June, Emmanuel Macron announced the sale of Mirage 2000-5 fighter jets to Ukraine within the year. He added that Ukrainian pilots would be trained in France.