French interceptor missiles will form part of France’s latest military support for Ukraine, French President Emmanuel Macron announced after a deadly Russian attack on Kryvyi Rih.
Macron said France would provide French interceptor missiles to help Ukraine strengthen its air defences and protect its cities from Russian missile and drone attacks.
“It is crucial to provide Ukraine with all the necessary means to defend its airspace and thwart this aggression,” Macron wrote on X.
The announcement followed a major Russian attack on Kryvyi Rih, the hometown of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
Ukrainian authorities said Russia launched two waves of drone attacks on the city on Friday. The strikes killed at least 16 people and injured around 130 others, including 23 children.
European leaders strongly condemned the attack.
Kaja Kallas, the European Union’s top diplomat, described the assault as “terror by design.”
French Interceptor Missiles to Strengthen Ukraine’s Air Defence
Macron said he spoke with Zelenskyy after the daylight “double strike” on Kryvyi Rih.
The French president said he expressed his horror and deep concern over the attack.
Macron also informed Zelenskyy about France’s increased military support.
The package will include additional interceptor missiles for Ukraine’s air defence system.
France also wants to maintain pressure on Russia. Macron said Paris would continue that effort while Moscow refuses to stop the fighting and pursue peace.
Zelenskyy later confirmed the conversation with Macron.
The Ukrainian president said the two leaders spoke for almost two hours. They discussed air defence, military funding and communication with Washington.
Ukraine Welcomes French Interceptor Missiles
Zelenskyy said Ukraine and France agreed to accelerate deliveries of new French military equipment and missiles.
He also thanked Macron for confirming France’s readiness to provide licenses for missile production.
Ukraine has repeatedly asked its Western allies for more interceptor missiles.
Kyiv needs additional air defence weapons as Russia continues to launch missile and drone attacks against Ukrainian cities and infrastructure.
The arrival of more French interceptor missiles could help Ukraine strengthen its ability to defend against future attacks.
Ukraine Expands Long-Range Strikes
Ukraine has also continued attacking Russian targets.
Zelenskyy said Ukrainian forces struck the Novokuybyshevsk oil refinery and a logistics hub in Russia’s Samara region over a 24-hour period.
Ukrainian forces also targeted locations in the Black Sea, according to Zelenskyy.
Kyiv has increased its long-range strikes against Russian infrastructure in recent months.
Ukrainian forces have focused particularly on energy facilities. These targets include oil refineries, fuel depots and terminals.
Kyiv says the campaign aims to weaken Russia’s economy and reduce its ability to support the war.
France Increases Military Support for Kyiv
France’s decision to provide French interceptor missiles underlines its continued support for Ukraine.
Air defence remains one of Kyiv’s most urgent military needs. Russian missile and drone attacks continue to threaten Ukrainian cities and critical infrastructure.
At the same time, Ukraine is expanding its own long-range strike capabilities against targets inside Russia.
The latest developments show the continuing importance of air defence and long-range weapons in the conflict.
