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France Ready to Help Build Ukraine’s Anti-Ballistic Defense Network, Zelenskyy Says
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President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said France is prepared to cooperate with Ukraine on strengthening anti-ballistic defense capabilities following a phone call with French President Emmanuel Macron on May 16.
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According to President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s statement published on Telegram on May 16, he and French President Emmanuel Macron discussed strengthening Ukraine’s air defense capabilities, Ukraine’s EU accession process, and coordination on international issues, including Africa.
“We discussed strengthening our capabilities to repel Russian attacks already now. Thank you for your readiness to strengthen our air defense,” Zelenskyy said following the conversation.
The Ukrainian president added that “France is ready to work regarding anti-ballistics,” describing the move as “a strong decision and an important step.”
The announcement comes as Ukraine continues to face large-scale Russian missile and drone strikes targeting cities and critical infrastructure. Ukrainian officials have repeatedly warned about shortages of interceptor missiles for Patriot air defense systems.
Ukraine has also been seeking alternatives to US-made PAC-3 interceptor missiles. Zelenskyy previously stated that Kyiv was in talks with two countries regarding additional anti-ballistic capabilities.
During the May 16 call, Zelenskyy and Macron also discussed Ukraine’s European integration process, including the opening of additional negotiation clusters with the European Union.
“France supports Ukraine and understands how important this step is for all Ukrainians,” Zelenskyy said.
The Ukrainian president further stated that Macron briefed him on his recent visit to African countries, with both leaders agreeing on the need for closer coordination on the African track “because it is also important for Ukraine.”
Earlier, Ukraine’s Fire Point unveiled the FP-7.x Freya interceptor project, a proposed domestic anti-ballistic missile designed to counter threats such as Russia’s Iskander-M using existing European technologies and Western radar systems. The project is being developed as Ukraine seeks alternatives to scarce Patriot PAC-3 MSE interceptors amid continued Russian ballistic missile attacks.
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