Paris: Even though he specifically ruled out sending any combat aircraft to Kyiv, French President Emmanuel Macron stated on Monday that his nation had "opened the door" to training Ukrainian fighter pilots.

Volodymyr Zelensky, the leader of Ukraine, paid his second visit to Paris since Russia invaded its pro-Western neighbour in February of last year the day before Macron spoke.

"We have made it possible for other European nations who are also prepared to train pilots to do so. In a televised interview with the TF1 broadcaster, he stated, "I believe discussions are underway with the Americans.

Also Read: Lahore HC to hear Imran Khan's bail plea tomorrow

Macron continued, "The training can begin right away," without offering any additional information.

After months of deadlock, Ukraine has been preparing to retake territory that Russia had taken, and it is ramping up military aid to help its troops become more battle-ready.

Zelensky has been pleading for modern fighter jets like the US-designed F-16 for months, but NATO members have so far refused to provide Kyiv with any such military aircraft.

Also Read: Zelensky reaches UK, Meeting with PM Sunak

In February, a French official close to the air force command told AFP that while France could theoretically send 13 recently decommissioned Mirage 2000-C fighters, it would probably take too long to train Ukrainian pilots to operate them.

Zelensky visited several European nations on Sunday to increase his arsenal, and Macron and Zelensky had dinner together.

France will train and supply several battalions with dozens of armoured vehicles and light tanks, including AMX-10RC, in the upcoming weeks, they said in a joint statement.

During the TF1 interview, Macron declined to offer more information.

Also Read: Kyiv not attacking Russian territory says Zelensky 

We've made the decision to send more ammunition, he said. In addition, France had made the decision to "repair vehicles and cannons" as well as "train their troops, the battalions that will be in charge of the counter-offensive."

"France's stance remains the same: to support Ukraine's resistance. There is a lot on the line right now because the ability to establish enduring peace will depend on the outcome of this counter-offensive, he said.