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Now Official: Ukraine Permitted to Strike russia with SCALP Missiles

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SCALP-EG cruise missile of the French Air Force / Photo credit: Frédéric Lert/Aerobuzz
SCALP-EG cruise missile of the French Air Force / Photo credit: Frédéric Lert/Aerobuzz

Jean-Noël Barrot, France's Foreign Minister, has confirmed that the Armed Forces of Ukraine are authorized to use French long-range missiles against Russian territory for self-defense purposes

Barrot made this statement during an interview with the BBC. He explained that Ukraine may employ SCALP/Storm Shadow missiles to target russian positions as part of its self-defense strategy. However, the minister did not reveal whether these French missiles have already been used on russian soil.

The French Foreign Minister emphasized that the West should avoid imposing limits on its support for Ukraine in its fight against russian aggression, warning against setting red lines. When asked about the potential involvement of French troops in the conflict, Barrot indicated that Paris is not excluding any options.

Read more: Update: Did France, UK Approve Deep Strikes into russia with SCALP/Storm Shadow Missiles?
SCALP-EG (a.k.a. Storm Shadow) under the wing of a Ukrainian Su-24M
SCALP-EG (a.k.a. Storm Shadow) under the wing of a Ukrainian Su-24M / Still frame credit: Ukrainian Air Force

"France will support Ukraine as intensely and for as long as necessary because our security is also at stake," he said. He elaborated that every kilometer gained by the russian army brings the threat one kilometer closer to Europe.

Barrot also reiterated France's willingness to support Ukraine’s NATO membership aspirations. Furthermore, he suggested that Western countries might need to increase their defense spending in response to ongoing security challenges.

Read more: France’s Transfer of New Batch of Long-Range Scalp Missiles to Ukraine Could Be a Long-Term Solution – Military Expert