French President Emmanuel Macron and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy have agreed to speed up work on the Freyja missile defence project as Russia continues to attack Ukraine’s energy infrastructure and other civilian targets. The two leaders discussed the initiative on the sidelines of the European Union summit in Brussels. Their talks focused on improving Ukraine’s air defence capabilities and strengthening cooperation between the French and Ukrainian defence industries. The discussions also covered plans to increase weapons production within Ukraine. Zelenskyy said Kyiv had obtained all the weapons production licences promised by France, clearing the way for closer collaboration in manufacturing military equipment. Expanding domestic production could help Ukraine reduce its reliance on foreign arms supplies. Deliveries from partner countries can face production limitations, logistical delays and changes in political priorities.

A very substantive meeting with President of France @EmmanuelMacron. We appreciate that France is helping as much as possible to find ways to respond to Russian escalation.

During our meeting, Russia launched yet another vile drone strike on Ukrainian energy infrastructure in Lutsk. There are power outages in the city. Unfortunately, this kind of blatant and vile Russian terror has been taking place almost constantly these days. Russia has demonstratively disregarded the American President’s proposal for an energy ceasefire. And now it is taking advantage of problems with Starlink operations to cause maximum destruction to everything that sustains everyday life. Emmanuel and I discussed various ways to counter this. In particular, new packages to strengthen our combat aviation will be provided this month. We are also accelerating work on European anti-ballistic defense – FREYJA needs to become operational by the end of the year. I am grateful to Emmanuel – all the weaponry production licenses France promised Ukraine have already been obtained. It is important to implement this promptly at the team level. Thank you, France! — Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) October 15, 2026

France and Ukraine Seek Closer Cooperation on Weapons Production

Obtaining the production licences marks an important step towards developing Ukraine’s domestic defence industry while the country continues to resist Russia’s invasion. Kyiv is working to strengthen its ability to manufacture military equipment rather than depend entirely on weapons supplied by its international partners. Cooperation with foreign defence companies is expected to play an important role in this effort. Closer ties with France could help Ukraine expand its manufacturing capacity and build more reliable weapons supply chains. This could become increasingly important as the conflict continues and the demand for military equipment remains high. The partnership aims to meet Ukraine’s immediate battlefield requirements while also building its long-term defence capabilities. Greater domestic production could give Kyiv more control over supplies and improve its ability to respond to changing military needs.

Freyja Project Gains Urgency Amid Russian Attacks

Macron and Zelenskyy also agreed to accelerate the Freyja project, a European missile defence initiative intended to help protect critical infrastructure from aerial attacks. The agreement comes as Russian strikes continue to threaten Ukraine’s energy facilities and disrupt electricity supplies. Cities and communities remain vulnerable to power outages caused by damage to the country’s energy infrastructure. Lutsk has also experienced blackouts linked to attacks on energy facilities. Strengthening air and missile defences remains a major priority for Kyiv as it seeks to protect essential services, civilian facilities and critical infrastructure from further Russian attacks.

J'ai redit ce soir au Président Zelensky notre détermination à nous tenir aux côtés de l'Ukraine et du peuple ukrainien.

Alors que la Russie fait le choix d'escalader parce qu'elle est enlisée sur le front, il est capital que nous donnions collectivement à l'Ukraine tous les moyens nécessaires pour se défendre et pour protéger sa population civile et ses infrastructures. J'ai également redit notre détermination à continuer de soutenir l'Ukraine dans la recherche d'une paix solide et durable. La France continuera de prendre ses responsabilités. — Emmanuel Macron (@EmmanuelMacron) October 15, 2026

The proposed Freyja system is also expected to contribute to Europe’s wider defence capabilities. However, its development schedule, operational features and deployment plans will be important factors in determining when it can provide additional protection to Ukraine. France has also pledged new assistance packages for Ukraine’s combat aviation sector in the coming weeks. The support is intended to address the country’s immediate defence requirements while both nations continue working on longer-term cooperation in weapons manufacturing and air defence.

Macron Stresses Need for Continued Military Support

Macron reaffirmed France’s commitment to helping Ukraine defend itself against Russian attacks. Emphasising the importance of continued assistance, the French president said it was "crucial to give Ukraine all the means needed". His remarks come as diplomatic discussions continue over possible pauses in attacks on energy infrastructure and other measures aimed at reducing the war’s impact on civilians. Despite ongoing diplomatic efforts, France and Ukraine are continuing to strengthen their defence partnership. Their plans include military assistance, expanded weapons production inside Ukraine and closer cooperation between their defence industries. The accelerated Freyja project and the expansion of domestic weapons manufacturing could form important parts of Ukraine’s efforts to improve its defensive capabilities and protect critical infrastructure as the war continues.