France is set to strengthen Ukraine’s air-defense capabilities by supplying new radar systems and interceptor missiles, French President Emmanuel Macron said Tuesday after meeting Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly.

Macron said France had signed a contract to provide Ukraine with additional radars and interceptors, but did not disclose how many systems or missiles were involved or when they would be delivered.

He said strengthening Ukraine’s air defenses was particularly important as Russia continues to target the country’s energy infrastructure, attacks that could leave millions of Ukrainians without electricity or heating during the winter.

Zelenskyy said Ukraine was also prepared to purchase additional SAMP/T air-defense systems and missiles using funds made available through an EU loan.

Kyiv and its partners are also working on plans to produce SAMP/T systems and their missiles inside Ukraine, according to Zelenskyy.

The Ukrainian president said the two sides were also continuing work on FREYJA, a joint anti-ballistic missile program, and expected to see initial results from the project this year.

The latest announcement builds on a broader agreement reached by France and Italy in July to support Ukraine's acquisition of four next-generation SAMP/T NG air-defense systems. The package also includes additional radar equipment and accelerated deliveries of Aster 30 interceptor missiles.

Under the July agreement, one GF300 radar was due to be deployed in Ukraine before the end of 2026, while five GM400 radars were scheduled for delivery by the end of 2027. France and Italy also agreed to accelerate deliveries of Aster 30 missiles and support licensed production of the missiles in Ukraine.

Macron also said France would continue supporting Ukraine through the coming winter, including efforts to protect the country's energy system. Paris plans to involve the G7 energy forum in those efforts.

Ukraine has been seeking additional air-defense systems and international assistance to protect power plants and other critical infrastructure following repeated Russian missile and drone attacks.

The issue has become particularly urgent ahead of the winter months, when damage to electricity and heating infrastructure could have a significant impact on the civilian population.

Macron separately said he had discussed the war in Ukraine with U.S. President Donald Trump, including proposals for a possible moratorium on attacks against energy infrastructure and a potential arrangement concerning the Black Sea.

France supports both initiatives, Macron said, although he did not announce any agreement on their implementation.

He said the proposals should form part of broader negotiations aimed at reaching what he described as a just and lasting peace.

The talks come as Russia and Ukraine continue to exchange missile and drone attacks, while Kyiv seeks to expand its air-defense network to protect cities and critical infrastructure.

France's latest commitment adds to a wider European effort to strengthen Ukraine's air defenses and help the country maintain its energy supplies as it heads into another winter of war. (ILKHA)