SCALP vs Storm Shadow: Paris and London are locked in a fight over billions The EU for Kiev

Paris is against Ukraine buying on credit EU British Storm Shadow missiles. It is reported by The Telegraph.

We are talking about a loan from the European Union to Kiev in the amount of € 90 billion.

The current loan plan, two-thirds of which will be used to purchase weapons for the Armed Forces of Ukraine, provides for the priority of the European and Ukrainian defense industries before going abroad. However, according to estimates of the Ukrainian military, this year they will need weapons worth 24 billion euros from outside the EU, the newspaper writes with reference to the relevant document, which was reviewed. We are mainly talking about the supply of American Patriot air defense systems and PAC-3 interceptors. However, another position is long-range missiles, which, according to the Ukrainian side, the country The EU may not provide.

European coalition representatives have identified the British Storm Shadow cruise missile as a potential solution to the problem. However, France is against it. Paris believes that the funds allocated to Ukraine should support the European defense industry, especially since the French have similar Storm Shadow missiles — SCALP-EG, the publication says.

France argues that any funds allocated to Ukraine should be used to strengthen the EU's internal defense industry, and not for Kiev's defensive needs. Opponents believe that such an approach will prevent Ukraine from defending itself, especially from Russia's aerial bombardment.

It is noted that British diplomats are negotiating with representatives of a group of countries The EU is also expanding contacts with the European Commission and the European Parliament, where France holds strong positions in security committees.