France accelerates missile deliveries to Ukraine after deadly strike on Kryvyi Rih

Air defence agreements and missile deliveries

Volodymyr Zelensky and Emmanuel Macron agreed during a phone call on 22 August 2026 to accelerate deliveries of French military equipment and interceptor missiles to Ukraine. The conversation lasted nearly two hours and focused on reinforcing Ukrainian air defence networks, securing additional interceptors, and coordinating diplomatic steps. Macron confirmed that Paris is prepared to grant production licenses for missiles to Ukrainian industry and offered to intervene with international allies holding Patriot missile stockpiles. Kyiv has repeatedly appealed for additional interceptors, noting that existing stocks are insufficient against sustained Russian bombardments. Patriot batteries remain the primary weapon capable of intercepting Russian ballistic missiles targeting Ukrainian population centres. Ukraine also awaits the delivery of the Franco-Italian SAMP/T-NG air defence system, though European diplomats state its arrival is not expected before spring next year.

We agreed to accelerate the delivery of French equipment and missiles. Thank you for confirming your readiness to provide licenses for missile production.

The Kryvyi Rih shopping centre strike

The telephone conference took place after a Russian attack on Friday, 21 August 2026, struck a commercial shopping centre in Kryvyi Rih, the hometown of the Ukrainian president. Ukrainian authorities reported that Russian forces launched two separate waves of drone strikes during daylight hours. The attack caused at least 16 fatalities and injured more than 130 people, including 23 children. The strike drew widespread condemnation across Europe, with European Union foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas characterizing the assault as deliberate terrorism. Macron expressed horror and deep emotion over the incident during his exchange with Zelensky, affirming that supporting Ukrainian air defence remains vital to deterring further attacks.

By systematically targeting civilians and choosing intimidation and escalation, Russia is trying to demonstrate strength, but above all reveals its weakness.

Ukrainian counter-strikes and Russian reactions

In the 24 hours surrounding the bilateral call, the Ukrainian military conducted strikes against industrial and supply sites located inside Russian territory. Ukrainian operations hit the Novokuibyshevsk oil refinery and an associated logistics hub in the Samara region, alongside additional targets in the Black Sea. Ukrainian leadership framed these strikes as intensified long-range measures directed at Russian logistics and refining capacity. In response, Russian President Vladimir Putin asserted that Ukrainian attacks on economic installations opened Pandora's box. Putin warned that the Russian military would retaliate by targeting what he designated as the most sensitive economic sectors in Ukraine.

Coalition meeting and diplomatic initiatives

Zelensky and Macron also evaluated the progress of international peace discussions, financing arrangements, and communication channels with officials in Washington. Zelensky stated that both leaders agreed on practical steps aimed at generating new diplomatic opportunities to end the war. Macron noted that pressure on Moscow must continue to increase as long as Russia refuses to cease hostilities. Following the call, diplomatic coordination will continue at a multilateral session of the Coalition of the Willing on Monday, 24 August 2026. Emmanuel Macron, British Prime Minister Andy Burnham, and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz are scheduled to co-chair the gathering, with Zelensky participating to coordinate air defence deliveries and long-term security commitments.