Paris opposes using €90 billion EU loan for British weapons for Ukraine

France is pushing back against a proposal that would allow Ukraine to more easily purchase British-made Storm Shadow cruise missiles.

The issue centres on a €90 billion loan package intended to support Ukraine’s defence needs, with around two-thirds of the funds earmarked for weapons purchases. A coalition of 11 European Union countries has suggested relaxing existing rules so that Kyiv could use part of the money to buy arms from outside the bloc, including from the UK. However, France is insisting that the funds should primarily be spent within the EU.

Under the current framework, priority is given to Ukraine’s own defence industry and manufacturers based in EU member states before looking beyond Europe for military equipment. Paris has argued that this approach is necessary to strengthen the bloc’s defence sector, even if it limits Kyiv’s purchasing options.

Ukrainian defence officials, however, have estimated that they will need around €24 billion worth of military equipment from non-EU suppliers this year, according to documents seen by The Telegraph. Most of this sum is expected to go toward US-made Patriot air defence systems and PAC-3 interceptor missiles. Long-range strike capabilities have also been highlighted as a key requirement that European producers may struggle to meet.

Officials within the coalition of EU capitals have pointed to Britain’s Storm Shadow missile as a possible solution to fill that gap. They have put forward a four-tiered procurement system that could, in effect, give the UK priority over the US if it is able to supply equipment that matches Ukraine’s defence needs.

France has reportedly emerged as a leading opponent of these changes. A diplomatic source described Paris as an “obvious” critic of the proposals.

The French stance is closely tied to its broader push for greater European strategic autonomy, particularly from the United States. That effort has gained urgency following tensions with President Donald Trump, including disputes linked to his threats to seize Greenland. French officials have argued that financial support for Ukraine should be used to bolster Europe’s own defence industry rather than focusing solely on Kyiv’s immediate military requirements.

This position has sparked frustration within parts of the EU, with some officials warning that prioritising industrial policy over battlefield needs could weaken Ukraine’s ability to defend itself, especially against ongoing Russian air strikes.

Under the proposed system, Ukraine would submit detailed procurement plans for review. The EU would first assess whether Ukraine’s domestic defence sector could meet the demand. If not, officials would then look to manufacturers within the bloc before considering suppliers outside the EU.

By Tamilla Hasanova