Macron Urges Trump to Speed Up Missile Interceptors for Ukraine in New York Talks

On Monday, Sept. 21, French President Emmanuel Macron urged US President Donald Trump to expedite the delivery of defensive weapons to Ukraine during informal talks in New York. The discussions took place at Trump Tower, on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly, focusing on Russia’s war against Ukraine and escalating security concerns in the Red Sea.

The French president later deemed the talks "very constructive." Macron later explained that securing quicker deliveries of missile interceptors for Ukraine was a pivotal aspect of the discussions, as Russian drones and missiles persistently target Ukrainian cities and crucial infrastructure. "We discussed the need to help our Ukrainian friends faster and more strongly in terms of interceptors, because that is... a defensive measure," Macron stated.

Trump appeared receptive to Macron's arguments, as they delved into specifics of the Ukrainian and Red Sea conflicts. The French president emphasized that the discussions were fruitful, marked by openness, and enabled in-depth deliberations on these two critical conflicts, which significantly affect global peace and security. France and other members of the Coalition of the Willing have been advocating for enhanced air defenses for Ukraine, including additional interceptor missiles.

The talks also centered on the Red Sea and the mounting economic ramifications of disruptions along significant energy and shipping lanes. Traffic through the Strait of Hormuz remains considerably lower than pre-war levels, while the Houthi advances and attacks around the Bab al-Mandab Strait have introduced a fresh threat to oil and commercial shipping channels.

The Red Sea route has become particularly vital as Middle Eastern producers look for alternatives due to Hormuz disruptions. Shipping through Bab al-Mandab has also dwindled amid ongoing Yemeni fighting. Macron, who arrived in New York after visiting Saint-Pierre and Miquelon, is also slated to meet with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and discuss closer collaboration between France, Canada, and Europe.

Macron is further expected to meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky during the General Assembly, while Zelensky is scheduled to meet Trump in New York. This follows Trump's recent plea for Ukraine to cease striking Russian oil refineries, linking the assaults to global diesel price pressures. Zelensky has indicated that Kyiv would be prepared to halt such strikes if Russia, in turn, ceases targeting Ukrainian energy infrastructure.