France Opposes EU Plan to Fund UK Missiles for Ukraine

France is resisting a proposal backed by 11 EU countries to loosen restrictions on how Ukraine can spend a major EU loan facility, according to The Telegraph. The initiative would make it easier for Kyiv to purchase British-made Storm Shadow cruise missiles.

Under the current plan, two-thirds of the €90 billion loan is earmarked for weapons purchases, with priority given to European and Ukrainian defence manufacturers before suppliers outside the bloc are considered.

Ukraine’s External Weapons Needs

Ukrainian defence officials have warned that Kyiv will need around €24 billion worth of military equipment from outside the EU this year, according to documents seen by The Telegraph.

Most of that requirement relates to US-made Patriot air defence systems and PAC-3 interceptors, but long-range missiles have also been identified as a critical gap that European producers may struggle to fill.

Storm Shadow Identified as Key Option

European officials involved in the coalition have identified Britain’s Storm Shadow cruise missile as a potential solution. They are proposing a four-tiered procurement system that would allow the UK to supply weapons ahead of the United States if European options fall short.

Under this cascading model, Ukraine would first seek supplies from its own defence industry, then from EU manufacturers. Britain would sit on the third tier, followed by the US and other non-EU partners.

Paris Defends Strategic Autonomy

France has emerged as the most vocal opponent of the proposal. Diplomatic sources cited by The Telegraph said Paris views the plan as undermining efforts to make the EU strategically autonomous, particularly amid tensions with the US under President Donald Trump.

French officials argue that EU funds should primarily be used to boost the bloc’s domestic defence industry, even if that limits Ukraine’s short-term defensive options. Critics warn this approach could weaken Kyiv’s ability to counter Russia’s aerial attacks.

Growing Support for the UK Option

The push to ease access to British weapons is being led by Baltic and Scandinavian countries, alongside Poland, Romania, the Czech Republic and the Netherlands. Several other states, including Germany, have voiced support without formally joining the coalition.

Britain’s leadership of the so-called “coalition of the willing,” which is preparing to deploy troops to Ukraine as part of any future peace settlement, has strengthened arguments for allowing EU funds to be spent on UK defence firms.

British diplomats are reportedly engaging with EU counterparts, while being urged to increase outreach to the European Commission and Parliament, where France holds significant influence over security policy.