France to Speed Up Air Defense Deliveries to Ukraine

French President Emmanuel Macron has pledged to accelerate the delivery of air interceptor missiles and other military equipment to Ukraine, following a phone call with President Volodymyr Zelensky on August 22. The promise came in the aftermath of a deadly Russian drone attack on a shopping center in the Ukrainian city of Kryvyi Rih.

During their nearly two-hour conversation, Macron expressed his horror and deep sorrow over the attack, which killed at least 16 people and injured more than 130 on August 21, according to statements from both leaders. Macron assured Zelensky of strengthened support, including the deployment of interceptor missiles. He also agreed to assist Ukraine in its communications with international allies that possess U.S.-made Patriot air defense systems, which are currently the only weapons capable of downing the high-speed ballistic missiles used by Russia.

Zelensky confirmed that France will provide licenses allowing Ukraine to domestically produce missiles for the SAMP/T air defense system and for SCALP long-range cruise missiles. This builds on commitments made in July at the launch of an Integrated Anti-Ballistic Missile Coalition in Paris, where ten...