PARIS — French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot stated Sunday that France has no "red lines" in its support for Ukraine, including the potential use of French long-range missiles to strike Russia in self-defense.
In an interview with the BBC’s Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg, Barrot said, “We will support Ukraine as strongly and as long as necessary. Why? Because our own security is at stake.”
Barrot emphasized the importance of not limiting Western allies' support for Ukraine, suggesting that restricting aid could embolden Russian advances.
"Each time the Russian army advances by one square kilometer, the threat moves one square kilometer closer to Europe," he warned.
When asked about the deployment of French troops, Barrot did not rule out the possibility, stating, “We do not discard any option.”
Barrot confirmed that French missiles could be used by Ukraine to target Russian positions under the principle of self-defense but declined to specify whether French weapons have already been deployed in the ongoing war, which began in February 2022.
“The principle has been set ... our messages to President Zelenskyy have been well received,” he said.
French President Emmanuel Macron has also indicated unwavering support for Ukraine. In February, Macron refused to rule out sending ground troops, stating, “We will do everything that we can to make sure that Russia does not prevail.”
Barrot’s remarks come after outgoing US President Joe Biden authorized Kyiv to use American weapons to strike Russian targets, a decision echoed by France’s openness to allowing similar use of its missiles.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has cautioned that Moscow could retaliate by targeting military facilities in countries whose weapons are used against Russian territory. Despite these threats, France’s stance remains firm, signaling continued strong support for Ukraine. — Agencies
