Macron pledges interceptor missiles and production licences for Ukraine

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BRUSSELS — French President Emmanuel Macron said on Saturday that Paris will strengthen its support for Ukraine after Russia’s deadly attacks on a shopping mall in Kryvyi Rih on Friday.

Macron wrote on X that he called Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Saturday following the strikes, which killed 16 and left 130 injured. “I informed President Zelensky that we are stepping up our support with the delivery of interceptors and are continuing our cooperation,” he said.

Confirming the phone call during which the pair discussed “first and foremost, the need for air defense,” Zelenskyy also shared on social media that the two leaders had “agreed to accelerate the delivery of the latest French equipment and missiles.”

“Thank you for confirming your readiness to provide licenses for the production of missiles,” wrote the Ukrainian leader.

Regarding relations with Washington, Zelenskyy said he and Macron “also discussed the state of diplomatic work with our partners and communication with the team of the President of the United States. We agreed on steps that could open up additional diplomatic opportunities.”

Macron, along with his counterparts from Germany and the U.K., are expected to co-host a Coalition of the Willing meeting on Monday to discuss continued support for Ukraine against Russia’s aggression. The meeting will be held in Kyiv, with some leaders — including the French president — dialing in remotely. Around 10 leaders, including European Council President António Costa , are expected to attend in person, reported Le Monde.