Macron Announces New French Interceptor Missiles for Ukraine
France to strengthen Ukraine’s air defenses as Kyiv faces shortages following deadly Russian attacks ahead of Coalition of the Willing meeting
ERBIL (Kurdistan24) — French President Emmanuel Macron on Saturday announced that France would provide Ukraine with additional interceptor missiles as Kyiv faces shortages in its air-defense capabilities following a new wave of deadly Russian attacks.
“It is crucial to provide Ukraine with all the necessary means to defend its skies and thwart this aggression,” Macron said in a post on X.
Macron said he informed Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky during a telephone call that France would strengthen its support through the delivery of interceptor missiles and continued military cooperation.
The announcement came ahead of a Monday meeting of Ukraine’s allies in the Coalition of the Willing, an initiative led by France and Britain aimed at increasing pressure on Moscow to end its invasion of Ukraine.
Zelensky said the discussions with Macron focused on the main issues facing Ukraine, with air defense at the top of the agenda.
“We agreed to accelerate the delivery of the latest French equipment and missiles,” Zelensky said in a post on X.
He also thanked Macron for confirming France’s readiness to provide licenses for the production of missiles in Ukraine.
Coalition of the Willing to Meet in Kyiv
The Coalition of the Willing is scheduled to meet Monday in Kyiv as Ukraine marks its Independence Day, with the gathering expected to focus on strengthening support for the country and increasing pressure on Russia.
The meeting will be co-chaired by Macron, who will participate by video link, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and newly appointed British Prime Minister Andy Burnham, according to the French presidency.
Around 10 leaders, including European Council President António Costa, are expected to attend the meeting in Kyiv, an EU official said.
The gathering comes as Ukraine continues to seek additional air-defense systems and interceptor missiles to protect its cities and critical infrastructure from intensified Russian missile and drone attacks.