By C. Perera, JadeTimes News
French President Emmanuel Macron stated that Ukraine should be permitted to use French weapons, including long range missiles, against Russian targets responsible for launching attacks on Ukraine. During a press conference with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz in Brandenburg, Germany, Macron emphasized the necessity for Ukraine to neutralize military sites from which it is being attacked, saying, "Ukrainian soil is being attacked from bases in Russia. So how do we explain to the Ukrainians that we’re going to have to protect these towns. if we tell them you are not allowed to hit the point from which the missiles are fired?”.
France has supplied Ukraine with SCALP cruise missiles, capable of reaching up to 155 kilometers and carrying a high explosive warhead. These missiles are similar to the UK's Storm Shadow missiles, also provided to Ukraine. British Foreign Secretary David Cameron has stated that Ukraine has the right to use these weapons at its discretion to defend itself against Russia’s illegal invasion.
In addition to the SCALP missiles, France has provided various military equipment, including Caesar self propelled howitzers with a range of up to 42 kilometers. Macron stressed that French arms should only be used against launch sites attacking Ukraine, not other targets within Russia.
Chancellor Scholz echoed Macron’s sentiments, asserting that Ukraine is entitled to defend itself in compliance with international law and the conditions set by the supplying countries. Scholz found it strange to suggest that Ukraine should not take necessary defensive measures.
Russian President Vladimir Putin, however, warned that Ukraine could not use long range weapons without NATO support, which could potentially escalate into a global conflict. Putin highlighted the need for sophisticated reconnaissance and targeting systems, typically requiring NATO assistance.
Meanwhile, Belgium has pledged to provide Ukraine with 30 F-16 fighter jets over the next four years as part of a broader security agreement, including $1.06 billion in military aid for 2024. This commitment follows a similar agreement with Spain and aligns with ongoing support from other NATO members, including the UK, Germany, France, and others.