Macron Says Ukraine Needs More Interceptor Missiles Ahead of Winter

French President Emmanuel Macron said Ukraine will need additional interceptor missiles as winter approaches, warning that Russian strikes on energy infrastructure pose a growing threat to civilians.

Speaking about France's ongoing support for Kyiv, Macron said France remains committed to helping protect Ukrainian civilians and energy infrastructure from Russian attacks. He indicated that supplying more interceptor missiles would be a priority ahead of the winter months, when Ukraine's power grid has been a frequent target of Russian strikes in previous years.

The remarks come as Ukraine continues to face the prospect of another winter under wartime conditions, with officials in Kyiv repeatedly appealing to Western allies for additional air defense capabilities to shield the country's energy network.

France has been among the countries supplying military aid to Ukraine since Russia's full-scale invasion in February 2022, including air defense systems intended to intercept incoming missiles and drones.

Interceptor missiles are used to shoot down incoming projectiles before they strike their targets, and are considered critical to protecting power plants, substations and other infrastructure that keeps heat and electricity running through the winter.

Macron's comments were made amid a broader push by Ukraine's allies to bolster the country's air defenses ahead of the colder months, when reduced daylight and freezing temperatures make attacks on energy infrastructure especially damaging for the civilian population.