Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy and French President Emmanuel Macron at a press conference in Paris on February 16, 2024. (Photo: AFP)

Zelenskiy is visiting Germany and France to drum up military assistance at a critical point in the conflict with Russia, with Ukrainian troops trying to hold back Russian forces closing in on the eastern town of Avdiivka and the United States struggles to pass a "vital" multibillion-dollar military aid package for Ukraine.

The 10-year security pact with France includes commitments by Paris to deliver more arms, train soldiers and send up to 3 billion euros in military aid to Ukraine in 2024.

The German security pact, which will last for 10 years, commits Germany to supporting Ukraine with military assistance and hitting Russia with sanctions and export controls, and ensuring that Russian assets remain frozen.

Berlin has also prepared another immediate support package worth 1.13 billion euros that is focused on air defence and artillery.