Air defense, sanctions, frozen Russian assets: Zelenskyy-Macron discussion
Photo: meeting between Zelenskyy and Macron (Office of the President of Ukraine)
At Ukraine’s Permanent Mission to the UN, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy held a meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron, according to Zelenskyy’s statement.
According to Zelenskyy, he and Macron discussed strengthening Ukraine’s air defense.
In particular, they spoke about the need to boost it, especially against the backdrop of increased Russian strikes ahead of winter.
They also touched on the issue of Russia’s escalation against European countries, including incidents involving drones in Poland, Romania, and Denmark, as well as fighter jets in Estonia.
Zelenskyy stressed that it was necessary to respond and act quickly.
The leaders also focused on the use of frozen Russian assets for Ukraine’s benefit and on further strengthening sanctions against Russia, particularly targeting its shadow tanker fleet.
Macron's statements on pressure against Russia
Emmanuel Macron has repeatedly emphasized the need to intensify sanctions pressure on Russia while simultaneously searching for tools to bring Moscow back to peace talks.
The French leader specifically highlighted his belief in the US President’s commitment to peace. He recalled that Donald Trump initiated a summit with Vladimir Putin in Anchorage and personally took on the risks of such a step.
Macron also condemned the incursion of Russian drones into Polish airspace during attacks on Ukraine and urged Russia to put an end to this "rapid assault."
