Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with French President Emmanuel Macron in New York as both leaders continued their diplomatic engagements on the sidelines of the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly.
The meeting took place at the residence of France’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations in New York. According to the Ukrainian presidency, security issues and a winter support package for Ukraine were among the main topics discussed.
The two leaders also focused on strengthening Ukraine’s air defense capabilities. Zelenskyy said work is underway to secure additional SAMP/T air defense systems and missiles for Ukraine using financing provided through a European Union loan.
Zelenskyy also said efforts are continuing to explore the possibility of producing SAMP/T systems and missiles in Ukraine, while Kyiv and Paris expect further progress on their joint FREYJA ballistic missile defense program.
Diplomatic talks intensify in New York
The Macron-Zelenskyy meeting came amid a series of high-level diplomatic talks taking place during UN General Assembly week in New York.
Macron also held talks with U.S. President Donald Trump, with Ukraine and broader security issues among the subjects discussed during their New York engagements.
Zelenskyy is continuing meetings with international leaders as Kyiv seeks additional military and energy support ahead of winter, while diplomatic efforts surrounding the war with Russia remain a major focus of discussions at the UN General Assembly.
