Macron Boosts Ukraine Defenses with New Interceptor Missiles
Following a deadly Russian drone attack on Kryvyi Rih, French President Emmanuel Macron pledged new interceptor missiles to bolster Ukraine's air defense. Macron and Ukrainian President Zelenskyy discussed accelerated support, while Ukraine simultaneously launched retaliatory strikes against Russian oil and logistics targets.French President Emmanuel Macron announced on Saturday that France would provide new interceptor missiles to Kyiv. This decision follows a significant Russian attack on a shopping centre in Kryvyi Rih, central Ukraine, which resulted in the deaths of at least 16 people and left 130 others injured, including 23 children. Ukrainian authorities reported that Russia launched two waves of drone attacks on the city on Friday.
The attack on Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's hometown drew widespread condemnation from leading European figures. Kaja Kallas, the EU's top diplomat, described the incident as "terror by design." President Macron, in a post on X, expressed his "horror" and "deep concern" to Zelenskyy after their conversation regarding the daylight "double strike" on Kryvyi Rih. He emphasized the critical importance of equipping Ukraine with all necessary means to defend its airspace and thwart Russian aggression, informing Zelenskyy of Paris' "increased support, including the deployment of interceptors." Macron also called for continued pressure on Russia until it ceases fighting and seeks peace.
Zelenskyy, in a separate post, confirmed their nearly two-hour discussion, which covered Ukraine's air defense requirements, funding, and communications with Washington. He stated that they had agreed to accelerate the delivery of the latest French equipment and missiles, and thanked Macron for confirming readiness to provide licenses for missile production. Kyiv has consistently appealed to its allies for more interceptor missiles to counter persistent Russian missile and drone attacks.
Concurrently, Ukraine has launched its own counter-strikes against Russia within the last 24 hours. According to Zelenskyy, these strikes targeted the Novokuybyshevsk oil refinery, a logistics hub in the Samara region, and various objectives in the Black Sea. In recent months, Kyiv has intensified its "long-range sanctions" strategy, aiming to impede the Russian economy and degrade Vladimir Putin's war capabilities. This strategy particularly focuses on energy infrastructure sites such as oil refineries, depots, and terminals.