ALBAWABA - French President Emmanuel Macron received Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in the capital, Paris, on July 14.
Zelenskyy joined Macron for the 2026 French National Day, known as Bastille Day, which commemorates the 1789 Storming of the Bastille prison.
Around 6,700 troops, 98 aircraft, 31 helicopters and 315 vehicles were marching the traditional route between the Arc de Triomphe and the Place de la Concorde to celebrate the 2026 Bastille Day.
France's Bastille Day 2026:
France presented its military capabilities and unity with allies. It also held its largest-ever national day parade with Ukraine's president as guest of honour.
Macron posted the clip of Ukraine soldiers joining the parade and wrote on X, "Proud to see the Ukrainian military marching alongside our forces. A symbol of brotherhood, courage, and shared destiny. Thoughts to the Ukrainian people who are fighting for their freedom and, with it, for that of all Europeans."
This comes amid continued military aid by EU countries to Ukraine to counter the Russian war, which started in February 2022.
Macron, Zelenskyy 'almost lips kiss' fuels internet
A weird moment between the French president and his Ukrainian counterpart was captured by cameras.
When Macron was outside the car awaiting Zelenskyy to come out of the car to welcome him in Paris, the two leaders shook hands, then they wanted to kiss each other on the cheeks.
However, they both didn't know where to start, and they almost accidentally kissed on the lips, sparking humor on the internet.
The clip was caught by other news agencies and social media netizens. But Macron posted the clip and removed the weird moment with Zelenskyy.
One commented, "Zelensky and Macron almost shared a kiss. The meeting at the Élysée Palace was intense. Macron will be probably wearing sunglasses again tomorrow."
Another joked, "Not like they haven't done it before."
