Kyiv - Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky appealed to French President Emmanuel Macron for increased missile assistance as Russia intensifies attacks on Ukraine‘s energy infrastructure.
During a phone call on Sunday,Zelensky emphasized Ukraine’s urgent need for air and missile defense systems,stating,”I told him about our priority needs,first and foremost air and missile defense systems.” The request comes as Russia escalates its bombardment of Ukrainian power grids, leaving hundreds of thousands facing potential blackouts ahead of winter. This renewed push for support underscores the critical role France plays as a major military backer of ukraine, even as France navigates its own internal political challenges following recent parliamentary elections.
The timing of Russia’s offensive coincides with heightened global focus on the Middle East and domestic political concerns within various nations, a dynamic Zelensky believes Moscow is exploiting. ”Russia is now taking advantage of this moment – the fact that the Middle East and domestic issues in every country are getting maximum attention,” he said. Diplomatic initiatives to resolve the three-and-a-half-year-long conflict remain stalled, making continued military aid vital for Ukraine’s defense.
(fas/whn)