French President Emmanuel Macron has pledged to accelerate the delivery of French military equipment and missiles to Ukraine following a phone call with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy.
Zelenskiy said the two leaders spoke for nearly two hours on Saturday, with Ukraine’s shortage of air defence systems among the key issues discussed. Macron also offered to help Kyiv secure additional US-made Patriot interceptors from allied countries with available stocks.
Ukraine has repeatedly appealed to its allies for more Patriot interceptor missiles as Russia intensifies its aerial attacks. The system remains Ukraine’s key defence against the high-speed ballistic missiles used by Russian forces.
Zelenskiy said Macron had agreed to speed up deliveries of the latest French equipment and missiles, while also confirming France’s readiness to provide licences allowing Ukraine to produce certain missiles domestically.
Ukraine is also awaiting the new Italo-French SAMP/T-NG air defence system, which experts believe could intercept ballistic missiles despite not yet being tested in combat. Earlier estimates suggested the system might not reach Ukraine until spring next year.
The Aster missiles used by the SAMP/T system are produced by Eurosam, a European joint venture involving missile manufacturer MBDA and French defence company Thales.
Macron also expressed his “horror and deep emotion” over a Russian drone strike on a crowded shopping centre in Kryvyi Rih on Friday. The attack killed at least 16 people and injured 130 others.
He said France would strengthen its support for Ukraine, including the supply of interceptor missiles, in line with commitments made during the launch of an Integrated Anti-Ballistic Missile Coalition last month.
The coalition, hosted by Macron in Paris, brings together 10 European countries working on an anti-ballistic missile system intended to provide a potentially cheaper alternative to the Patriot. France had previously pledged to accelerate deployment of the SAMP/T system and allow Ukraine to manufacture its interceptor missiles, alongside SCALP long-range cruise missiles and other ammunition.
Zelenskiy said he and Macron also discussed the latest developments in peace negotiations and communications with Washington, agreeing on steps aimed at creating additional diplomatic opportunities.
Macron, British Prime Minister Andy Burnham and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz are expected to co-chair a meeting of the Coalition of the Willing in Kyiv on Monday, with Zelenskiy also scheduled to attend.
