Zelensky meets Macron to discuss air defenses, winter support

President Volodymyr Zelensky met with French President Emmanuel Macron in New York on September 22 to discuss French support for Ukraine as the country braces for a new wave of Russian ballistic missile attacks over the winter. The two leaders are among hundreds of diplomats and world leaders gathered for the U.N. General Assembly, with Russia's war in Ukraine being a primary topic of discussion.

During the meeting, Zelensky announced that Ukraine is ready to secure additional SAMP/T air defense systems and missiles for their defense using financial resources from the EU loan. Macron pledged steadfast French support for Ukraine, including the delivery of radars and interceptors for the SAMP/T air defense system, which is capable of intercepting ballistic missiles.

The French leader also mentioned the signing of a contract for the delivery of radars and the provision of interceptors for Ukraine. Zelensky and Macron also discussed Ukraine's intention to order four next-generation SAMP/T systems and the potential for France to begin deliveries in 2027, as well as temporarily lending Ukraine two older SAMP/T complexes until the new models arrive.