French President announces sending more interceptor missiles to Ukraine ahead of Monday's summit in Kiev

French President Emmanuel Macron announced Saturday the deployment of additional anti-missile systems to Ukraine, aligning with recent requests from Kyiv amid growing concerns over the shortage of defensive projectiles against Russian attacks. The announcement comes ahead of a summit scheduled for Monday in Kyiv involving leaders from the Coalition of Volunteers, a group led by France and the United Kingdom. The move follows renewed Russian strikes on Ukrainian territory, including attacks on civilian infrastructure. A recent bombing in Kryvyi Rih, a city in central Ukraine, reportedly killed at least 16 people and injured more than 130 others. Macron expressed his “horror” and “deep sorrow” over the attack, linking it directly to the need for increased military support for Ukraine. He emphasized the importance of providing Kyiv with all necessary means to defend its airspace. In a social media post, Macron stated he had informed Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of the enhanced support through the deployment of interceptors. This decision aligns with commitments made during the inaugural meeting of the Anti-Ballistic Missile Coalition held in Paris on July 13 and a declaration of intentions signed on November 17, 2025. Macron urged other nations possessing such capabilities to join the effort, criticizing Russia’s “systematic attacks on civilians.” He argued that Russia's actions were aimed at projecting power but ultimately revealed its weakness. Macron reiterated his stance on increasing pressure on Moscow, stating, “Russia probably tries to project power, but above all, it shows its weakness.” He added that Russia was attempting to subdue Ukraine through fear, but would fail in this endeavor. The summit set for Monday in Kyiv will bring together leaders from the Coalition of Volunteers, including Macron, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, and newly appointed British Prime Minister Andy Burnham. Discussions are expected to focus on strengthening support for Ukraine while working toward a peace agreement that respects Ukrainian sovereignty and security guarantees. Four and a half years after the start of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, long-range attacks have intensified on both sides of the front lines, targeting an increasing number of civilian facilities. According to Ukrainian military estimates, Russia launched over 450 missiles of various types against Ukraine in July alone, with nearly 200 being ballistic missiles. These figures underscore the escalating nature of the conflict and the urgent need for defensive measures. Macron highlighted the coalition’s efforts to achieve peace that the Ukrainian people legitimately aspire to, emphasizing respect for their rights and ensuring necessary security guarantees for Ukraine and the broader continent. His comments reflect ongoing international efforts to bolster Ukraine’s defense capabilities while seeking diplomatic resolutions to end the war. The French president’s announcement adds to a series of international moves aimed at countering Russian aggression. Other Western allies have been supplying Ukraine with advanced weaponry, including anti-aircraft systems and precision-guided munitions. However, the effectiveness of these measures continues to be tested by the scale and intensity of Russian offensives. With the upcoming summit, the focus will shift toward coordinating further military aid and exploring pathways to a negotiated settlement. The involvement of key European leaders signals a continued commitment to supporting Ukraine’s defense and pursuing a resolution to the conflict. The outcome of the discussions could influence future military strategies and diplomatic initiatives in the region.