Archive · 23 Aug 2026
France to Accelerate Air Defence Deliveries to Ukraine
Ukraine says it needs more air-defence systems to protect people from attacks.
President Volodymyr Zelensky discussed this need with French President Emmanuel Macron.
Zelensky said France would speed up deliveries of equipment and missiles.
He also said France would provide licenses to make some missiles.
Macron confirmed that France would increase support, including interceptor missiles.
Macron offered to help Ukraine speak with other countries that have Patriot missiles.
The leaders also discussed diplomacy, defence funding and agreements between France and Ukraine.
Their call followed reported Russian drone strikes in Kryvyi Rih that killed and injured many people.
Volodymyr Zelensky said France agreed to accelerate deliveries of air-defence equipment and missiles to Ukraine.
Zelensky said France would provide licenses for producing relevant missiles.
Emmanuel Macron offered to help Ukraine contact partners holding missiles for the Patriot air-defence system.
Macron said France would strengthen support by providing interceptor missiles and expanding air-defence cooperation.
Russian drone strikes in Kryvyi Rih reportedly killed at least 16 people and wounded 130 others.
- Who
- Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and French President Emmanuel Macron.
- What
- France agreed, according to Zelensky, to accelerate air-defence deliveries, provide missile-production licenses and help Ukraine seek Patriot missiles from partner countries.
- When
- The leaders spoke on Saturday, after strikes reported on Friday.
- Where
- The call concerned Ukraine; the reported strikes hit Kryvyi Rih in central Ukraine.
- Why
- Ukraine considers air defence its most pressing need following recent strikes and civilian casualties.
Zelensky's Account
Macron's Statement
Scope of French commitments
Zelensky's Account
Zelensky said France agreed to accelerate deliveries of the latest equipment and missiles and provide licenses for missile production.
Macron's Statement
Macron confirmed stronger air-defence support, particularly the delivery of interceptor missiles, but his quoted statement did not specify the production licenses.
International assistance
Zelensky's Account
Zelensky emphasized Macron's readiness to help Ukraine contact partner countries that have missiles for the Patriot system.
Macron's Statement
Macron called on all countries with available capabilities to join the effort to help Ukraine defend its skies.
Interpretation of the strikes
Zelensky's Account
Zelensky briefed Macron on the strikes and said air defence remained Ukraine's most urgent need.
Macron's Statement
Macron described the reported attacks as Russia's continuing and intensifying aggression and said they targeted civilians.
- Countries involved
- Ukraine and France; Russia was identified in connection with the reported strikes.
- Reported French support
- Accelerated deliveries of air-defence equipment and missiles, according to Zelensky.
- Missile production
- Zelensky said France would provide licenses to produce relevant missiles.
- Interceptor missiles
- Macron said France would strengthen support by providing interceptor missiles.
- Patriot assistance
- Macron offered to help Ukraine communicate with partners holding necessary Patriot missiles.
- Reported casualties
- At least 16 people were killed and 130 wounded in strikes in Kryvyi Rih.
- Other discussions
- The leaders discussed diplomacy, defence funding for this year and next year, and bilateral defence agreements.
