UPDATE – Zelenskyy, Macron discuss air defense, energy resilience for Ukraine ahead of ‘Coalition of Willing’ meeting

UPDATE WITH ZELENSKYY–MACRON TALKS, CHANGE IN HL/DECK/LEDE

By Alperen Aktas

ISTANBUL (AA) – Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said on Thursday that he met with his French counterpart Emmanuel Macron to coordinate positions ahead of the upcoming meeting of the “Coalition of Willing,” emphasizing joint efforts to end the war and increase pressure on Russia.

“Now is the time when there is a real chance to end the war and stop Russia. To achieve this, we must continue increasing pressure on the Russian Federation, expand support for Ukraine, and finalize the security guarantees,” Zelenskyy said on Telegram.

He said their discussions focused on the consequences of Russian strikes on Ukraine and strengthening air defense and energy resilience, describing these as key priorities at the current stage.

“Defense cooperation was also in focus, including concrete solutions that can make Ukraine stronger,” Zelenskyy added, expressing gratitude to France and Macron “for their support and all the assistance provided to protect lives.”

Earlier, the Ukrainian president also met with Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala to discuss the consequences of Russian strikes on Ukraine’s energy facilities and future cooperation on recovery and defense efforts.

Zelenskyy said the Czech Republic is already helping with the restoration of Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, adding that they discussed additional steps to strengthen the country’s energy resilience.

“We also spoke about the implementation of joint defense projects and the initiative to strengthen the protection of Ukrainian skies,” Zelenskyy said on Telegram.

“Our views are aligned – sanctions and frozen Russian assets must be aimed at supporting Ukraine, our protection, and defense.”

He expressed gratitude to the Czech people and government “for their warmth, solidarity, and all the assistance that Ukraine feels every day.”