Ukraine has the right to use long-range missiles supplied by France for strikes on Russian territory 'in the logic of self-defense', said French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot in an interview with BBC, but did not specify whether French weapons have already been used in strikes on Russian territory.
Barrot held talks with UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy on Friday, after which he stated that Western allies should not impose any restrictions on supporting Ukraine against Russia, 'not set or discuss red lines'.
When asked if this could mean the involvement of French troops in combat, Barrot said he does not rule out any option.
'We will support Ukraine as intensively and as long as necessary. Why? Because our security is at stake. Every time the Russian army advances by one square kilometer, the threat comes one square kilometer closer to Europe,' noted the French Foreign Minister.
He also expressed support for Ukraine's invitation to NATO, as requested by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. Public statements by leaders of several countries, as well as comments from sources, indicate that there is no consensus in NATO on this issue.
Earlier this year, French President Macron expressed France's readiness to allow the launch of its missiles on Russian territory. But Barrot's comments came a few days after US and UK long-range missiles were first used in strikes on Russian territory.
Photo: Reuters