Ukraine: Macron condemns Russian strikes and promises new interceptor missiles

Saturday 22 August 2026 - 13:42

Following a deadly Russian attack on a shopping center in Kryvyi Rih, Emmanuel Macron condemned strikes he deemed particularly serious. The French president announced the dispatch of additional interceptor missiles to Ukraine, as Kyiv faces increasing pressure on its air defense capabilities.

A new wave of Russian strikes resulted in a heavy human toll on Saturday, August 22, in Ukraine. A shopping center located in Kryvyi Rih, in the center of the country, was notably hit in broad daylight. According to the toll communicated after the attack, at least 16 people were killed and around 130 others injured.

In response to this new attack, Emmanuel Macron expressed his "horror" and "emotion." In a message posted on the social network X after a conversation with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, the French head of state announced a new French contribution to Ukrainian air defense.

Paris aims to strengthen Ukraine's air shield

Emmanuel Macron indicated that France would provide new "interceptor" missiles to help Ukraine protect its territory against Russian air attacks.

The goal stated by the French president is to enable Kyiv to have additional means to counter the missiles and drones used in the Russian strikes. This assistance comes as Ukrainian authorities report significant pressure on their stocks of interceptors, which are essential to attempt to neutralize projectiles before they reach their targets.

The French president also called on other states with suitable capabilities to participate more in this effort. For Paris, strengthening air defense is one of the main levers of military support provided to Ukraine.

An attack that further increases the toll of Russian strikes

In Kryvyi Rih, rescue operations continued after the attack on the shopping center. Images broadcast after the strikes show significant damage in the city, while rescue teams were working in the affected areas.

This attack comes as Russian bombardments continue to regularly hit several Ukrainian regions. For Kyiv, the ability to protect infrastructure and populations largely depends on the availability of systems capable of intercepting Russian missiles and drones.

The issue of munitions for air defense has thus become a central concern for Ukraine's allies.

Macron and Zelensky coordinate their response

The French president spoke on Saturday with Volodymyr Zelensky. This exchange comes as Ukraine's European partners seek to maintain their military support and coordinate their responses in light of the intensification of strikes.

Emmanuel Macron is also set to co-chair a meeting of the "coalition of volunteers" on Monday, alongside German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and new British Prime Minister Andy Burnham. This meeting will bring together countries committed to supporting Kyiv and is expected to examine additional means that can be mobilized to strengthen Ukraine's defense.

The French announcement thus comes at a time when Europeans are looking to increase their contribution, particularly in the highly sensitive area of air defense.

A call for increased European mobilization

By announcing new interceptors, Emmanuel Macron aims to respond to a recurring request from Ukrainian authorities: to have more means to protect cities and infrastructure against Russian attacks.

The French president has also emphasized the need for broader mobilization of countries supporting Kyiv. The stakes now go beyond merely delivering military equipment: for Europeans, it is also about maintaining a collective capacity to support Ukraine as strikes continue to cause civilian casualties.

The attack in Kryvyi Rih thus serves as a reminder of the persistent vulnerability of Ukrainian territory to Russian air strikes and the strategic role played by interception systems in continuing Western support for Kyiv.