France to Supply Ukraine with Long-Range Cruise Missiles
VILNIUS, July 11 – France has announced that it will join Britain in supplying Ukraine with long-range cruise missiles, allowing Ukrainian forces to strike deep into Russian territory. French President Emmanuel Macron made the announcement as he arrived at a NATO summit in Lithuania, stating that the increased military aid is intended to support Ukraine’s counteroffensive.
Macron did not disclose the exact number of missiles that would be sent, but a French diplomatic source revealed that they were referring to 50 SCALP missiles produced by European manufacturer MBDA. The missiles will be sourced from existing French military stocks, according to a French military source, who described the quantity as “significant.”
This is not the first time that France has provided military assistance to Ukraine. In the past, Paris has supplied Mistral shoulder-launched anti-aircraft missiles and Crotale short-range anti-air missiles. However, Ukraine has been requesting longer-range missiles for months, with the United States, its main supplier, yet to agree to supply them.
In May, Britain announced that it would supply Ukraine with the Franco-British missile, known as the Storm Shadow, which is also produced by MBDA. The French version, called SCALP, has a range of approximately 250 km, three times farther than Ukraine’s existing missile capacities.
The French military source revealed that the missiles would be integrated into Ukrainian Russian-made warplanes. They dismissed suggestions that the missiles were an escalation, emphasizing that their use was proportional. The source pointed out that Russia is already using cruise missiles launched from thousands of kilometers away.
“It rebalances things and enables Ukraine to hit deep into Russian lines and can penetrate tougher targets,” the source explained.
Macron assured that the delivery of the missiles would adhere to France’s policy of assisting Ukraine in defending its territory. This implies that Paris has received assurances from Kyiv that the missiles will not be fired into Russia.
“There are guarantees for (restricting) the use of these missiles to internationally-recognized borders of Ukraine,” the military source confirmed.
The move by France to supply Ukraine with long-range cruise missiles comes amid heightened tensions between Ukraine and Russia. The conflict between the two countries has been ongoing since Russia’s annexation of Crimea in 2014, and the situation has escalated in recent months, with increased clashes in eastern Ukraine.
How does the provision of long-range cruise missiles by France to Ukraine impact the ongoing conflict in Eastern Ukraine?
H diplomatic source.
The decision by France to provide Ukraine with long-range cruise missiles comes in response to Russia’s continued aggression in the region, particularly its support for separatist groups in Eastern Ukraine. The move is seen as a significant escalation in support for Ukraine, which has long sought advanced weaponry to counter Russian aggression.
The SCALP missiles, also known as Storm Shadow, are highly sophisticated weapons capable of hitting targets with extreme precision from a long distance. With a range of up to 560 kilometers, these missiles will provide Ukrainian forces with the ability to strike deep into Russian territory, potentially targeting key military installations and infrastructure.
The decision was welcomed by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, who expressed his gratitude to France for its support. Zelensky stated that the provision of long-range cruise missiles would significantly enhance Ukraine’s defense capabilities, allowing them to better protect their sovereignty.
This development marks a significant shift in France’s approach towards the conflict in Ukraine. While previously advocating for a diplomatic solution, France has now acknowledged the need to provide Ukraine with advanced military capabilities to effectively deter further Russian aggression.
However, this move by France is likely to further strain its already tense relationship with Russia. The Kremlin has repeatedly condemned any foreign military assistance to Ukraine, viewing it as an intrusion into its sphere of influence. Russia may respond to this announcement by increasing its military presence in the region, further escalating tensions between the two countries.
The provision of long-range cruise missiles by France and Britain demonstrates NATO’s commitment to supporting its member states and allies in the face of aggressive actions by Russia. It sends a strong message to Moscow that NATO will not tolerate its continued aggression and will stand firmly with Ukraine.
As the conflict in Eastern Ukraine continues, France’s decision to supply Ukraine with long-range cruise missiles adds a new dimension to the conflict. With both sides now equipped with advanced weaponry, the likelihood of further escalation and potential for a wider regional conflict has increased. It is crucial for all parties involved to exercise restraint and pursue diplomatic solutions to avoid further bloodshed and instability in the region.
It is concerning to witness the escalation of tensions between Ukraine and Russia, and France’s decision to provide long-range cruise missiles adds another layer of complexity to the situation. While it is important for Ukraine to have means to defend itself, it is crucial that diplomatic efforts take precedence to prevent further hostility and find a peaceful resolution.
This move by France to provide Ukraine with long-range cruise missiles in response to the Russian forces is a significant step towards bolstering Ukraine’s defense capabilities. It highlights the growing concerns over Russian aggression and underlines the solidarity between France and Ukraine in standing against it.