Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and French President Emmanuel Macron have agreed to accelerate the delivery of French defence equipment and missiles to Ukraine, as Kyiv continues to seek stronger air-defence capabilities amid ongoing Russian attacks.

Zelenskyy said the two leaders held a lengthy phone conversation on Saturday, lasting nearly two hours, during which they discussed Ukraine’s immediate air-defence requirements, military supplies, diplomatic efforts and the financing of defence needs.

Air defence remains a key priority

According to Zelenskyy, air defence was at the centre of the discussion. He thanked Macron for being prepared to communicate with other countries that possess missiles compatible with Patriot air-defence systems.

The Ukrainian president also said the two sides discussed French air-defence capabilities and the latest strikes against Ukraine. The conversation came after a major Russian attack on Kryvyi Rih, where Ukrainian authorities reported significant casualties. Macron separately confirmed that France would provide additional interceptor missiles to Ukraine.

Macron said France’s objective was to help Ukraine strengthen its ability to protect its airspace. He also stressed that European countries should continue increasing pressure on Russia while diplomatic efforts toward ending the war remain unresolved.

Agreement to speed up French military deliveries

Zelenskyy said Kyiv and Paris had agreed to accelerate deliveries of the latest French military equipment and missiles.

The Ukrainian leader also thanked Macron for confirming France’s readiness to provide licences that would allow missile production in Ukraine. The move could become an important element of Kyiv’s broader effort to expand domestic defence manufacturing and reduce dependence on overseas deliveries.

France had already announced in July that it would allow Ukraine to manufacture French-designed cruise missiles, precision-guided weapons and air-defence interceptor missiles under licensing arrangements.

Focus on missile production

The latest discussions fit into Ukraine’s wider push to increase domestic production of advanced weapons.

Zelenskyy has repeatedly called on Western partners to provide greater access to missile technology and production capabilities. In June, he said Ukraine needed continued support for air defence against both cruise and ballistic missiles and argued that existing Patriot missile production capacity was insufficient to meet global demand.

Ukraine has also been discussing possible cooperation involving Patriot interceptors. In July, Zelenskyy’s office said Raytheon was prepared to explore joint production of interceptors for Patriot systems.

Diplomacy with Washington also discussed

The Zelenskyy-Macron conversation was not limited to weapons.

Zelenskyy said the leaders reviewed diplomatic work involving Ukraine’s international partners and communication with the team of U.S. President Donald Trump. They also discussed possible steps that could create additional diplomatic opportunities.

The Ukrainian president said the two sides identified defence agreements that should be accelerated in their bilateral relationship and discussed the need to secure funding for Ukraine’s defence requirements for both the current year and the following year.

France strengthens its role in Ukraine’s defence

The latest conversation underscores France’s expanding role in European support for Ukraine.

Beyond missile deliveries, France and Ukraine have been developing broader defence-industrial cooperation. The July agreement included plans linked to French missile production as well as major French defence equipment, including Rafale fighter aircraft and the Franco-Italian SAMP/T air-defence system.

For Kyiv, cooperation with France offers two parallel benefits: immediate access to additional military equipment and the possibility of developing a stronger domestic defence-industrial base.

The discussions also highlight the growing importance of European missile production as Ukraine continues to face sustained Russian missile and drone attacks. With air-defence interceptors remaining one of Kyiv’s most urgent requirements, faster deliveries and expanded production partnerships are expected to remain central to Ukraine’s military diplomacy.