France to step up support for Ukraine after Russian strike on Kryvyi Rih

French President Emmanuel Macron has announced increased support for Ukraine following a Russian strike on the central Ukrainian city of Kryvyi Rih. 

In a post on X, after speaking with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Macron expressed his “horror and sympathy” over the strike on a shopping centre in Kryvyi Rih and condemned Russian attacks on Kyiv, Caliber.Az reports. 

Je me suis entretenu avec le Président @ZelenskyyUa au lendemain de la double frappe russe en plein jour contre un centre commercial à Kryvyi Rih, qui a fait de très nombreuses victimes civiles. Je lui ai dit notre horreur et notre émotion.

Avec ces frappes…

— Emmanuel Macron (@EmmanuelMacron) August 22, 2026

He said Russia was continuing its aggression in an attempt to intimidate the Ukrainian population and escalate the conflict.

France will strengthen its support for Ukraine, including by supplying interceptor missiles and continuing cooperation through the Ballistic Missile Defence Coalition, Macron said.

He also urged other countries to contribute to strengthening Ukraine’s air defences and stressed the need to maintain pressure on Russia until hostilities end.

“Russia is trying to break Ukraine through terror: it will not succeed,” Macron wrote.

By Sabina Mammadli