Key facts
- France will accelerate missile and air defense deliveries to Ukraine.
- French President Emmanuel Macron agreed to assist Ukraine in securing Patriot interceptors.
- France has granted Ukraine licenses to produce ASTER and SCALP missiles.
- Ukraine is experiencing a critical shortage of air defense systems.
- President Zelensky stated Russia plans to mobilize an additional 300,000 troops after September elections.
France will expedite the delivery of missiles and air defense equipment to Ukraine, including interceptors for Patriot systems, following a call between Presidents Macron and Zelensky. Paris also agreed to assist Kyiv in securing licenses for missile production.
Macron announced on social media that it is crucial to provide Ukraine with all necessary means to defend its skies and thwart Russian aggression, pledging the strengthening of support with the delivery of interceptors. He also agreed to assist Kyiv in its communications with international partners possessing Patriot air defense systems, which Zelensky has identified as critical for protecting civilians.
Zelensky also expressed gratitude for France's willingness to provide licenses for missile production. Paris previously granted Ukraine licenses to produce ASTER missiles for SAMP/T air defense systems and SCALP cruise missiles. In addition to his call with Macron, Zelensky met with German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul and former U.S. envoy to Ukraine General Keith Kellogg to discuss air defense needs. Zelensky informed Kellogg about efforts to create an anti-ballistic system and emphasized the essential need for Patriot interceptors for the upcoming winter.
Zelensky also stated that Germany and Ukraine are prepared to sign a drone deal, following an agreement last month to jointly produce high-speed BARS jet-powered drones, with Germany financing the initial phase. Russia has been exploiting Ukraine's air defense vulnerabilities with frequent bombardments, including recent attacks that killed 16 people in Kryvyi Rih and 15 in Kyiv. Separately, Zelensky stated that Russia is planning to mobilize an additional 300,000 troops after parliamentary elections in September, and potentially hundreds of thousands more in 2027 to capture the rest of the Donetsk region.