Zelenskyy, Macron discuss security cooperation, winter support for Ukraine

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Tuesday he met with French President Emmanuel Macron in New York to discuss security cooperation and the winter support package for Ukraine.

In a statement on US social media platform X, Zelenskyy said the talks focused on providing additional SAMP/T air defense systems and missiles through financing available under an EU loan framework.

“We continue working on the possibility of producing such air defense systems and missiles in Ukraine, as well as on the joint anti-ballistic program FREYJA with partners. We expect the first results this year,” he said.

For his part, Macron said he held “in-depth” discussions with Zelenskyy on Russia’s attacks against Ukrainian energy infrastructure, warning that the strikes risk depriving millions of families of heating and electricity.

“France will stand alongside Ukraine to face the winter, and the G7 Energy group will also be mobilized by its side,” he said on X.

Macron announced that Paris and Kyiv had signed a contract for the delivery of radars, while France would also provide Ukraine with interceptors to reinforce its air defenses.

He also added that he had discussed support for Ukraine with US President Donald Trump, as well as the possibility of an energy ceasefire and a moratorium in the Black Sea.