Macron Condemns Russian Strikes in Ukraine, Pledges New Missiles

French President Emmanuel Macron has condemned the Russian missile strikes that devastated a shopping center in Kryvyi Rih, Ukraine, killing at least 16 people and injuring 130. Expressing his "horror" and "emotion," Macron announced France would send new "interceptor" missiles to bolster Ukraine's air defense capabilities.

"It is essential that all countries with available means join this effort," Macron stated on X, emphasizing the need for international support. He spoke with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Saturday amid Ukraine's struggle with a shortage of interceptors against daily Russian ballistic missile attacks.

The announcement comes as a coalition of volunteer nations supporting Kyiv is set to convene on Monday. This meeting will be co-chaired by Macron and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz. Notably, it will also include the new British Prime Minister Andy Burnham for the first time, signaling a united front in providing aid to Ukraine.

The strikes on the shopping center underscore the ongoing civilian toll of the conflict. The images from Kryvyi Rih, a city in the Dnipropetrovsk region, show a destroyed commercial center, highlighting the destructive power of the Russian attacks. Ukraine continues to appeal for more advanced air defense systems to counter the persistent missile threats.

“

It is essential that all countries with available means join this effort.