- France introduced it’s giving Ukraine round 40 extra SCALP/Storm Shadow missiles.
- The long-range missiles have enabled Ukraine to hit targets deep behind Russia’s strains.
- It is excellent news for Ukraine, with future army assist from its allies doubtful.
France introduced on Tuesday that it was sending Ukraine roughly 40 extra long-range Storm Shadow missiles, which have turn into a key weapon in Ukraine’s arsenal.
President Emmanuel Macron stated that round 40 SCALP missiles — often known as Storm Shadow missiles — in addition to a whole bunch of different bombs can be delivered to Ukraine within the subsequent few weeks, as a part of a brand new deal to present the beleaguered nation extra subtle weapons.
Macron added {that a} Russian victory in Ukraine would go in opposition to worldwide legislation, and stated that “we can’t let Russia win and we should not do this,” the Related Press reported.
He additionally stated that he’ll journey to Ukraine subsequent month to signal a safety settlement.
Storm Shadow/SCALP missiles have allowed Ukraine to strike far behind Russia’s strains, and have enabled it to hit key army targets. The missiles are launched from planes and have a vary of over 155 miles.
Ukraine has already obtained an undisclosed variety of the missiles from the UK, and round 50 from France, following Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022.
It has used them to strike targets in Ukrainian territory that Russia’s army now occupies, hit Russian gas and ammunition depots, Russian factories, and sure a Russian warship.
Thierry Wurtz/MBDA
The brand new missiles are a lift to Ukraine’s army, coming at a time when additional army backing from a lot of its closest allies is doubtful.
Within the US, Senate Republicans have blocked requests from President Joe Biden for additional funding, saying their calls for for US southern border funding should be met first.
And Hungary, an EU member state with ties to Russia, has held up round $52 billion in help from the bloc.
Regardless of Hungary’s actions, particular person European nations like France can, and nonetheless are, giving extra weaponry to Ukraine.
In the meantime, Ukraine has been growing its personal home weapons manufacturing so as to attempt to scale back its reliance on different nations.
However a drop in help from the US is a significant concern for Ukraine.
Macron stated on Tuesday that he would discover a strategy to work with Donald Trump if he was reelected president, and that Europe must plan for a state of affairs the place the US doesn’t prioritize Ukraine.
“That is additionally why I desire a stronger Europe, that is aware of methods to defend itself and is not depending on others,” he stated. “That is how I’m making ready for the American election, no matter its final result.”
