Ukraine’s Zelensky says Macron agreed to accelerate air defence deliveries

KYIV - President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Aug 22 he had discussed Ukraine’s shortage of air defences with French President Emmanuel Macron, who promised to accelerate the delivery of new French equipment.

“We agreed to accelerate the delivery of the latest French equipment and missiles,” Zelensky said on the Telegram app, without providing further details.

“Thank you for confirming the readiness to provide licenses for missile production.”

Ukraine is awaiting delivery of the new Italo-French SAMP/T-NG missile defence system, which experts say should be capable of downing ballistic missiles.

European diplomats had previously said it was not expected to arrive in Ukraine before spring 2027. REUTERS