NEW YORK: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met French President Emmanuel Macron in New York to discuss additional air defence capabilities and support for Ukraine as the country prepares for winter.
Zelenskyy said on Tuesday that discussions focused on obtaining additional SAMP/T air defence systems and missiles using financing available through a European Union loan framework.
Furthermore, Ukraine is working with partners on the possibility of producing SAMP/T systems and missiles domestically, Zelenskyy said.
He added that Kyiv was also pursuing the joint FREYJA anti-ballistic programme with its partners and expected the first results from the initiative before the end of this year.
France Pledges Radars and Air Defence Interceptors
Meanwhile, Macron described his talks with Zelenskyy as “in-depth” and said the two leaders discussed Russian attacks on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure.
Macron warned that continued strikes could leave millions of Ukrainian families without heating and electricity during winter.
He said France would support Ukraine through the winter, while the G7 Energy group would also mobilise assistance.
Additionally, Macron announced that France and Ukraine had signed a contract covering the delivery of radars. France will also provide interceptors aimed at strengthening Ukraine’s air defence capabilities.
Macron Discusses Ukraine Support With Trump
Macron said he had also discussed international support for Ukraine with US President Donald Trump.
According to the French president, those discussions included the possibility of an energy ceasefire as well as a moratorium covering the Black Sea.
The New York talks come as Ukraine and its European partners focus on protecting critical energy infrastructure and strengthening air defences before colder weather arrives.
Zelenskyy’s discussions with Macron also highlighted Kyiv’s effort to expand domestic defence production while securing additional weapons and financing from European partners.
