Putin must 'return to the table', France to deliver anti-air systems to Ukraine: Macron

Russian President Vladimir Putin must "return to the table" to discuss making peace in Ukraine, French President Emmanuel Macron said in a rare television interview Wednesday.

"Today, first of all, Vladimir Putin must stop this war, respect Ukraine's territorial integrity and come back to the table for talks," Macron told broadcaster France 2, saying he aimed to avoid a "global war".

Asked if he would back a Ukrainian offensive to recapture Crimea -- annexed by Russia in 2014 in a move not recognised internationally -- Macron said that "at some point as the conflict develops" both Russia and Ukraine "will have to come back to the table".

"The question is whether the objectives of the war will only be reached by military means," he said, although "it's up to the Ukrainians to decide" what those aims should be.

When reminded that Ukraine no longer wanted to negotiate with Putin, Macron replied: "I tell you that at some point... it will be necessary. That's why I have always refused maximalist positions."

NEW MILITARY SUPPORT

Macron added that France will deliver radar and air defence systems to Ukraine in the coming weeks, in particular to help Ukraine protest itself from drone attacks.

Speaking in an interview on France 2 television, Macron did not give any details on what type of anti-aircraft missiles or how many would be delivered.

A wave of attacks on Ukrainian cities this week has raised the stakes, with Kyiv demanding its partners provide more supplies, including air defence systems - something Paris has been unwilling to do so far.

"This is a new phase of bombing coming from land, sea, air and drones against essential infrastructure and civilians," Macron said, adding that radar and anti-air missiles would be delivered in the coming weeks to "protect the country from drone and missile attacks."

Paris has previously supplied Mistral shoulder-launched anti-aircraft missiles to Ukraine. A source aware of the matter said Paris would provide Crotale short-range anti-air missiles, which are used to intercept low-flying missiles and aircraft.

Ukraine's defence ministry posted a video on social media on Wednesday aimed at giving France a gentle nudge to show its love through weapon supplies after repeated criticism that Paris has not been doing enough.

It was not clear whether Wednesday's announcement would change the perception France is not doing enough militarily.

"We cannot deliver as much as the Ukrainians ask for because we need to keep some to protect our eastern flank. We are protecting our national territory," he said.

Macron repeated that he had agreed with Denmark to divert six Caesars howitzer canons it had ordered to Ukraine. The technical details of that transaction have yet to be confirmed, diplomats have said.

France's defence ministry announced on Tuesday that it was boosting its support on NATO's eastern flank by sending more tanks to Romania, Rafale fighter jets to Lithuania and infantry to Estonia. It said nothing about Ukraine.

Macron repeated that he believed that a negotiated settlement between Ukraine and Russia would happen at some point to end the conflict, but it would need to be on Kyiv's terms.

"We are preparing to spend the winter in this context of war," Macron said, adding that he would continue talking to Russian President Vladimir Putin whenever necessary.