France has urged Western allies to avoid setting “red lines” on military support for Ukraine, as the war-torn nation continues its defense against Russian aggression. French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot’s comments come amid growing divisions within NATO over how far to go in arming Kyiv, with Germany resisting calls to supply long-range missiles.
Speaking to the BBC, Barrot stressed the importance of not restricting Ukraine’s access to critical weaponry, suggesting that French-made missiles could be used for self-defense, even against targets inside Russia. His remarks add to mounting pressure on Germany, which has consistently refused to join allies in providing similar support.
France’s Stance: No Limits on Support
Barrot’s statement reflects France’s increasingly assertive position on aiding Ukraine. Earlier this year, President Emmanuel Macron signaled a willingness to consider all options, including deploying Western troops in a training capacity and supporting Ukraine’s potential NATO membership.
“We do not discard any option,” Barrot reiterated, underlining France’s openness to escalating its involvement if the conflict continues.
Paris has already authorized Ukraine to use French-made long-range missiles, aligning with similar moves by the U.S. and U.K. The decision has provoked sharp criticism from Moscow, with Russian President Vladimir Putin threatening retaliation against countries supplying such weapons.
Germany’s Hesitation
In contrast, Germany has remained steadfast in its refusal to send Taurus cruise missiles, citing concerns about escalating tensions with Russia. Chancellor Olaf Scholz has framed his cautious approach as part of a broader “prudent” strategy, a key plank of his campaign for Germany’s upcoming snap election in February 2025.
Scholz has also rejected French proposals to deploy Western troops to Ukraine in any capacity, deepening the rift between Berlin and Paris on military strategy.
The German chancellor’s reluctance has sparked frustration among Ukraine’s allies, with many arguing that Kyiv needs every possible tool to counter Russia’s relentless attacks.
NATO Membership and Strategic Alliances
Barrot also expressed France’s openness to advancing Ukraine’s bid to join NATO, a possibility Macron first floated in 2023. While NATO membership would mark a significant shift in the alliance’s strategy, Barrot said France is working with partners to bring Ukraine closer to this goal.
“We are open to extending an invitation,” Barrot stated, signaling that discussions with allies are ongoing to align their positions.
Implications of Escalation
The authorization of long-range missile use by Western nations has already marked a turning point in the conflict, with Ukraine reportedly deploying the weapons last week. These strikes have enabled Kyiv to target critical Russian military infrastructure far behind enemy lines, reshaping the battlefield dynamics.
However, Moscow’s response has been predictably severe. Putin’s recent warnings of potential strikes on supplier nations underscore the risks of escalation, raising concerns about broader regional instability.