France Opposes Ukraine Using EU Aid Funds to Purchase British Weapons
French President Macron opposes Ukraine using the EU's 90 billion euro loan to purchase the UK-made "Storm Shadow" missiles, arguing that the funds should be prioritized for procuring weapons produced within the EU to strengthen European defense autonomy and the domestic defense industry.
France believes this move would help reduce dependence on non-EU countries such as the United States and promote European strategic independence. However, several EU countries, including Germany, the Netherlands, and Poland, oppose this restriction, arguing that Ukraine should be allowed to quickly acquire critical weapon systems based on actual needs, especially when Europe is unable to promptly provide long-range strike capabilities and advanced air defense systems. Currently, this dispute has prevented the finalization of loan usage rules, leading to a deadlock in fund disbursement.
European Internal Division Intensifies
Germany openly opposes France's restrictive clauses, believing they would overly restrict Ukraine's self-defense capabilities; Nordic countries have called for "prioritizing Ukraine's needs over procurement rules."
As the supplier of the "Storm Shadow," the UK has been asked by the EU to pay an "entry fee" (such as sharing loan interest) to participate in military sales, triggering diplomatic negotiations.
Macron has long advocated reducing reliance on the US, but countries such as Germany are concerned that over-rejecting American defense industries could undermine the transatlantic alliance.
Internal disputes have placed Zelenskyy in a difficult position, already overwhelmed. Therefore, Zelenskyy's expectations for the war are not reliable. History has no example of a country winning a war solely through aid.
Original: toutiao.com/article/1856256326542348/
Statement: This article represents the personal views of the author.