Lauge Risom Koch 
France has pledged expanded military cooperation with Ukraine, including work on anti-ballistic defence systems, following talks between Macron and Zelensky.
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France has pledged deeper military cooperation with Ukraine as Russian missile and drone attacks continue to intensify.
The announcement followed talks between Presidents Emmanuel Macron and Volodymyr Zelensky focused on strengthening Ukraine’s air defence systems.
Air defence support
According to Kyiv Post, France is prepared to work with Ukraine on developing anti-ballistic missile defence capabilities.
Zelensky said the issue was discussed during a phone call with Macron on May 16 amid renewed Russian attacks on Ukrainian cities and infrastructure.
“I thanked Emmanuel for his firm condemnation of the Russian strikes on our cities and communities,” Zelensky wrote on X.
“France is ready to work on anti-ballistic capabilities. It is a strong decision and an important step.”
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Growing threat
According to Kyiv Post, Ukrainian officials recently informed the UN Security Council that Russia had launched around 16 ballistic missiles and 600 drones during a short period earlier this month.
The attacks reportedly killed more than 40 civilians and placed increasing pressure on Ukraine’s existing air defence systems.
The report said France’s support could include cooperation involving advanced interception platforms such as the SAMP/T missile defence system.
These systems are designed to track and intercept ballistic threats during the final stage of flight.
Strategic shift
According to Kyiv Post, France has recently expanded its defence partnerships across Europe amid growing uncertainty surrounding long-term US commitments to NATO.
The outlet reported that Macron recently signed a defence and aerospace agreement with Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk covering intelligence and military cooperation.
By increasing military coordination with Kyiv, France is positioning itself as a central player in Europe’s evolving security structure.
Sources: Kyiv Post
