France’s Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot has stated that Ukraine has the right to use long-range SCALP missiles provided by Paris against Russian targets under the principle of self-defense. In an interview with the BBC, Barrot emphasized that the weapons, supplied by France, can be used “within the logic of self-defense.”
“The principle is well-established, and our messages have been well-received by [Ukrainian President Volodymyr] Zelensky,” Barrot said. However, he refrained from confirming whether these missiles have already been used against Russian targets.
Barrot underlined that Western allies should not impose “red lines” on their support for Ukraine, which continues to defend itself against Russian aggression. When asked whether France might consider deploying troops to the conflict zone, as previously hinted by President Emmanuel Macron, Barrot replied, “We are not excluding any options.”
“We will support Ukraine for as long as necessary. Why? Because our security is at stake. Every time the Russian army advances one square kilometer, it is one kilometer closer to Europe,” Barrot explained. He also reiterated France’s openness to inviting Ukraine into NATO and is actively working to convince other allies to do the same.
Maria Zakharova, spokesperson for the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, criticized Barrot’s comments, describing the allowance for SCALP missiles to be used against Russian targets as not merely support for Ukraine but a step toward Ukraine’s destruction.
The SCALP missile is a French counterpart to the British Storm Shadow, differing slightly in hardware and software configurations. These long-range precision missiles have been pivotal in Ukraine’s defense efforts.
Barrot’s statement comes shortly after U.S. President Joe Biden lifted restrictions on Ukraine using American long-range ATACMS missiles against Russia. This decision followed reports of North Korean troops appearing in the conflict zone. Additionally, the U.K. has also approved the use of Storm Shadow missiles by Ukraine on Russian territory.