Paris opposes Kyiv’s purchase of Storm Shadow with EU loan: details
27 January 10:18
France is blocking the EU’s plan to simplify Ukraine’s acquisition of Storm Shadow missiles.
This was reported by the Telegraph, according to "Komersant Ukrainian".
The publication reports that France disagrees with the proposal to create a system that would allow Ukraine to more easily purchase British Storm Shadow air-launched cruise missiles using a €90 billion EU credit line.
According to the newspaper, a group of eleven EU member states has proposed amending the current rules so that Kyiv can use the allocated funds to purchase British weapons. However, France is opposed to this initiative.
Paris insists that the funds allocated to Ukraine be used exclusively within the European Union. According to the publication, the current credit distribution plan focuses on supporting the European and Ukrainian defense industries, with the exception of purchases outside the EU.
Ukraine’s needs and the controversy surrounding Storm Shadow
Documents reviewed by The Telegraph show that Ukraine estimates its need for military equipment manufactured outside the EU at €24 billion in 2026.
“This figure mainly relates to supplies of US Patriot air defense systems and PAC-3 interceptors, but long-range missiles have been identified as another need that European countries may not be able to meet,” the publication writes.
In this context, British Storm Shadow missiles were seen as a possible solution. The authors of the initiative proposed a four-level priority system that would allow the UK to move up the procurement chain if it was willing to meet Ukraine’s needs.
Political motives and criticism
According to a diplomatic source, France rejected this idea, insisting on the strategic autonomy of the EU.
“Paris is at the center of efforts to ensure the EU’s strategic autonomy from its allies, mainly the US, due to the breakdown in relations with President Donald Trump over his threats to seize Greenland,” the publication notes.
This approach has already drawn criticism within the EU, as it could limit Ukraine’s ability to withstand air attacks.
“The attempt to prevent French influence is supported by the Baltic and Scandinavian countries, as well as Poland, Romania, the Czech Republic, and the Netherlands,” a source told The Telegraph.
He added that eight other countries, including Germany, have advocated a more flexible approach to the UK, but have not officially joined the coalition.
