French President Emmanuel Macron announced on Friday that France will deliver additional Aster missiles and Mirage fighter jets to Ukraine in the coming days,  expanding its military support amid the ongoing war with Russia.

"I want to confirm, Volodymyr, that we will deliver in the days to come additional Aster missiles, new training programs, and new Mirage [missiles]," Macron said during a meeting of the so-called "coalition of the willing", addressing Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.

The French president emphasized that the aid package includes not only long-range Aster missile systems and Mirage aircraft but also new training initiatives for Ukrainian forces. Macron added that further measures are expected to be confirmed by France and other allied nations, although he did not disclose specific details.

This announcement reflects a continued effort by Western powers to enhance Ukraine's defense capabilities, particularly as fighting persists in regions such as Donbass and Zaporozhye.

This comes after Zelensky called on French President Emmanuel Macron to provide additional air defence systems and missiles during a phone conversation on October 12, warning that Russia is exploiting global distraction to intensify its attacks on Ukraine. "I spoke with President Emmanuel Macron... I informed him about our priority needs, first and foremost, air defence systems and missiles," Zelensky said in a Facebook post.

Russia responds to France’s military commitments

In response, Russia reiterated its position that foreign arms deliveries to Ukraine obstruct the path to peace and further entrench NATO in the conflict. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov warned that any cargo transporting weapons to Ukraine would be regarded as a legitimate military target.

Moscow has consistently criticized NATO's military support for Kiev, arguing that such actions escalate the war and deepen Western involvement.

As more NATO-aligned countries commit to advanced weapons shipments, Russia has repeatedly raised alarms over the risk of direct confrontation. The inclusion of sophisticated systems such as Mirage jets and Aster missiles marks a notable escalation in the type and range of weaponry being sent to the battlefield.

While Western governments frame their involvement as support for Ukraine’s sovereignty, Russia sees it as an expansion of NATO’s footprint in the region, further complicating diplomatic efforts.