French President Emmanuel Macron has promised stronger France Ukraine Support after a deadly Russian attack on a shopping center in Kryvyi Rih. Macron said France will speed up the delivery of air defense missiles to Ukraine.
Macron spoke with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Saturday after the attack. The strike on Friday killed at least 16 people and injured more than 130 others. The attack hit a busy shopping center in Kryvyi Rih, a city in central Ukraine and Zelenskyy’s home city.
Macron said Ukraine needs more tools to protect its air space. He told Zelenskyy that France would increase its support by sending interceptor missiles. He also said France would continue its military cooperation with Ukraine.
The French move comes as Ukraine faces a serious need for air defense. Russian forces have increased missile and drone attacks on Ukrainian cities. Ukraine has also faced shortages of key interceptor missiles, including systems used to stop fast and powerful attacks.
Zelenskyy welcomed Macron’s decision. He said the two leaders agreed to speed up the delivery of new French military equipment and missiles. He also thanked Macron for France’s readiness to allow Ukraine to produce some missiles under license.
The talks also covered Ukraine’s wider diplomatic efforts. Zelenskyy said he and Macron discussed contact with other allies and the United States. They also looked at steps that could create new chances for diplomacy.
The French president has made air defense a major part of his support for Ukraine. France and other European countries are working to improve Ukraine’s ability to defend its cities. The effort includes a wider European plan to strengthen protection against missile attacks.
The latest French pledge came after a wave of deadly attacks across Ukraine. The Kryvyi Rih strike was especially serious because it hit a shopping center during the day. Ukrainian officials said the attack caused heavy civilian losses.
The death toll from the Kryvyi Rih attack reached at least 16, while more than 130 people were hurt. Other Russian strikes also caused deaths and injuries in parts of Ukraine on Saturday. The attacks have added to fears that the war is becoming more intense.
Macron’s announcement also comes before a major meeting of countries supporting Ukraine. The Coalition of the Willing is due to meet in Kyiv on Monday, August 24. The meeting will focus on continued support for Ukraine and ways to respond to Russia’s attacks.
Macron will co-chair the meeting with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and British Prime Minister Andy Burnham. Some leaders will join in person, while others will take part remotely. European Council President António Costa is among those expected to attend in person.
The meeting comes at a key point in the war. Ukraine needs more air defense as Russian attacks continue. At the same time, European leaders are seeking ways to keep pressure on Moscow and support Kyiv.
France’s new pledge shows that Paris wants to keep a strong role in European support for Ukraine. The delivery of interceptor missiles could help Ukraine protect more cities and key sites from Russian attacks.
For Zelenskyy, the immediate goal is clear. Ukraine wants faster deliveries of air defense systems and missiles. It also wants stronger support from European allies as attacks continue.
The coming weeks will show how quickly France can deliver the promised equipment. The result may also shape the wider European effort to help Ukraine defend its air space and maintain pressure on Russia.
