Ukraine and France accelerate missile shield project for year-end deployment

France and Ukraine agreed to accelerate the Freyja missile defence project, aiming to make it operational by year-end to protect Ukrainian infrastructure from Russian attacks. Kyiv has also secured all promised French weapons production licences. The agreement was reached by Presidents Macron and Zelenskyy at an EU summit in Brussels, focusing on strengthening air defences and expanding joint defence industry cooperation. Zelenskyy confirmed the licences, which will boost local weapons production and reduce reliance on foreign supplies. The project addresses immediate threats like drone strikes on energy infrastructure, while France also pledged new combat aviation packages this month. This cooperation supports Ukraine's long-term defence capabilities amid ongoing Russian escalation.