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Emmanuel Macron pledges full support for Ukraine after meeting with Volodymyr Zelensky

Medeea Stănescu

16 October 2026, 09:42

International

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French President Emmanuel Macron called on Thursday, October 15, 2026, for Ukraine to receive “all the means” necessary to defend itself against Russia and protect its civilian population and infrastructure. He made the statement after a “productive” meeting with his Ukrainian counterpart, Volodymyr Zelensky.

Macron said Russia had chosen escalation because it was bogged down on the front line and reiterated France’s determination to support Ukraine in its efforts to achieve a strong and lasting peace. “France will continue to assume its responsibilities,” the leader in Paris said.

Zelensky said that, during the meeting, Russia had attacked energy infrastructure in Lutsk with drones, causing power outages. The Ukrainian leader accused Moscow of intensifying attacks on critical infrastructure.

The two presidents discussed new ways to respond. Zelensky announced that new packages to strengthen Ukraine’s air force would be approved this month and that development of the European FREYJA anti-missile system was being accelerated, with the system expected to become operational by the end of the year. He also said that Ukraine had already received all the licenses promised by France for weapons production.

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Context: France steps up its support for Ukraine’s defense amid attacks on energy infrastructure

Before the meeting from which Thursday’s statement emerged, Emmanuel Macron announced measures to support Ukraine amid Russian attacks on energy infrastructure. The French president warned that strikes on Ukraine’s energy system could leave millions of families without heating and electricity during the winter and said that France would support Kyiv in coping with the cold season.

Macron also spoke about strengthening Ukraine’s air defenses, mentioning deliveries of radars and interceptor missiles, without providing details on quantities or the schedule. Discussions with Volodymyr Zelensky also addressed issues related to an energy ceasefire and the resumption of negotiations that should lead to a “just and lasting” peace.

At the same time, support for Ukraine’s defense was also linked to the repeated requests from the leader in Kyiv regarding funding needs and military capabilities. Zelensky asked the European Union for funds to support the defense, while European discussions on financial assistance were presented as an essential element for continuing defense efforts in the face of the Russian invasion.