France to supply new air-defence interceptors to Ukraine, President Macron says

President Emmanuel Macron said France will send new interceptor missiles to Ukraine after a Russian drone strike on the central city of Kryvyi Rih killed at least 16 people and injured more than 130, including children. In a post on X, Macron said he had spoken with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy about the "double strike" and expressed his "horror" and "deep concern" over the attack. He added that Paris would increase its support, including the deployment of interceptors, and urged continued pressure on Russia until it ends the fighting.

Zelenskyy confirmed a nearly two-hour conversation with Macron, during which they discussed Ukraine's air-defence needs, funding and coordination with Washington. He thanked France for confirming readiness to provide licences for missile production and said the two leaders agreed to accelerate delivery of the latest French equipment.

Ukraine has repeatedly asked allies for more interceptor missiles as it defends against Russian missile and drone assaults. In the same period, Kyiv reported its own strikes on Russian targets, including an oil refinery in Novokuybyshevsk and a logistics hub in the Samara region, as part of its broader strategy to pressure Russia's economy.