Macron: Russia seeks to 'break Ukraine through terror'

French President Emmanuel Macron on Saturday accused Russia of seeking to "break Ukraine through terror" after a double strike on a shopping center in the city of Kryvyi Rih killed numerous civilians, vowing that Paris would intensify its military support for Kyiv. Speaking on X following the attack, Macron stated: "Russia seeks to break Ukraine through terror: it will not succeed. United alongside Ukraine, we will ensure that law and justice prevail over force."

Macron said he had spoken with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to express his "horror" and "emotion" at the civilian casualties. "With these strikes and those this week against Kyiv, Russia is continuing and intensifying the crime of its aggression," he said, adding that Moscow was revealing an "admission of weakness" by targeting civilians.

Military support pledge

Paris will strengthen its support for Ukraine by delivering interceptors and continuing cooperation under the Anti-Missile Coalition, Macron said. He called on other nations to contribute capabilities to the effort, stating: "It is essential that all countries with capabilities at their disposal also join this effort."

Zelenskyy wrote on X that the leaders agreed to accelerate deliveries of French military equipment and missile production licenses. "Thank you for confirming your readiness to provide licenses for the production of missiles," he said, noting that Macron was prepared to help Kyiv secure additional Patriot missiles from partner nations.

Coalition meeting

The French president said he and Zelenskyy also discussed preparations for a meeting of the "coalition of the willing" scheduled for Monday in Paris, where leaders will review efforts to pursue peace while respecting Ukraine's rights and ensuring security guarantees. Macron emphasized that pressure on Moscow must increase as long as hostilities continue, stating: "We must also continue to increase the pressure on Russia as long as it chooses to refuse a cessation of hostilities and peace."

The two presidents spoke for nearly two hours, Zelenskyy said, addressing defense funding for this year and next alongside bilateral agreements that should be accelerated. They also discussed diplomatic efforts with partners and communication with the team of US President Donald Trump to create additional diplomatic opportunities, according to the Ukrainian leader.