France says Ukraine using missiles inside Russia an 'option' after US authorisation

RFI

18 November 2024 at 9:18 am·1-min read

US.Army personnel prepare the crane for loading the Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS) on to the High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) in Queensland, Australia, on 26 July, 2023.

France says Paris remains open to allowing Ukraine to use French long-range missiles to strike military targets inside Russia, after the United States cleared Kyiv to use American missiles for the same purpose.

Washington has lifted restrictions on Ukraine using long-range US missiles to strike inside Russia.

Its policy shift – long demanded by Ukraine – apparently came in response to Russia allowing North Korean troops to help Moscow's war effort, US officials have said.

On Monday, some European leaders expressed their support for the call.

Outgoing EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell said: "I've been saying once and again that Ukraine should be able to use the arms we provided to them, in order to not only stop the arrows but also to be able to hit the archers."

French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot said that French President Emmanuel Macron had already indicated in May that Paris was open to the idea of greenlighting the use of its missiles to strike on Russian soil.

"We openly said that this was an option that we would consider if it would allow the striking of targets from where Russia is currently aggressing Ukrainian territory. So nothing new on the other side," Barrot told reporters in Brussels on Monday.

Berlin has been the second-biggest supplier of military aid to Ukraine in its fight against Russia's invasion.

(with AFP)

Australian Associated Press
Court loss for Hayne backer who spat at rape accuser
A court has found a supporter of Jarryd Hayne was not defamed by assertions he spat at the footballer's alleged rape victim, overturning a previous ruling.
Australian Associated Press
Stars ensure Bucks return to NBA Cup semi-finals
The Milwaukee Bucks will be the only team returning the NBA Cup semi-finals after they downed the Orlando Magic 114-109.
Australian Associated Press
Swans draftee Bowman handed Franklin's famous number
Sydney will have a new No.23, taking Lance Franklin's number off the shelf after a year to hand it to young South Australian forward Ned Bowman.
Australian Associated Press
PNG to get their Broncos moment in big time 40 years on
Brisbane Broncos founding director Barry Maranta highlights similarities between a PNG NRL side and the 1988 Broncos in terms of player opportunities.
Australian Associated Press
Pre-Christmas Test gives Gabba life and spice of old
Australia and India are set to be greeted with a traditional Gabba wicket for the third Test, crucial given the hosts are a different side there pre-Christmas.
Australian Associated Press
St Kilda look to young talent for AFL ladder lift
Veteran Brad Hill says he's impressed by top 10 draft pick Tobie Travaglia as St Kilda look to their young guns to climb the AFL ladder.
Australian Associated Press
Fears nuclear power may end the bush's 'phoenix moment'
Some regional residents worry nuclear power could stymie growth and clean energy projects, while others say planning laws have left landholders "high and dry".
Australian Associated Press
AFLW premiers North snag Tigers star Sheerin
North Melbourne have swooped on Richmond gun Eilish Sheerin in a bumper AFLW trade, while GWS veteran Nicola Barr has joined St Kilda.
Australian Associated Press
Jews are questioning their future in Australia
The prime minister has been told to act decisively after the government was warned Australian Jews are questioning their place in society following an arson.
Australian Associated Press
Husband found guilty of estranged wife's 2007 murder
Emil "Bill" Petrov was taken to prison after a Supreme Court jury found him guilty of the murder of his wife Cindy Crossthwaite in 2007.
Australian Associated Press
'Kicking the can down the road' on packaging reforms
The plastic waste crisis is set to continue after the federal government failed to lock in a responsibility scheme, to the frustration of an emerging industry.
Australian Associated Press
'Disgusting' anti-Jewish graffiti sparks police pledge
Graffiti sprawled in a Jewish community has resulted in heightened fear and increased security as political leaders condemn the latest anti-Semitic attack.
Australian Associated Press
Top cop laments DV scourge after woman found dead
Domestic violence might be a factor in the death of a woman found in a home, as a police commissioner says it's the issue that keeps her awake at night.
Australian Associated Press
US health CEO murder suspect has angry outburst
Prosecutors are beginning to take steps to bring the suspect in the killing of UnitedHealthcare's CEO back to New York to face a murder charge.
Australian Associated Press
Children rescued from sex abuse after two men arrested
Two men have been charged in Australia and six children removed from harm in the Philippines after an international child abuse investigation.
Australian Associated Press
Big guns fire as Real Madrid revive CL title defence
Real Madrid's faltering Champions League title defence received a boost from a win win over Atalanta while Liverpool maintained their perfect record.
Australian Associated Press
Scheffler's landslide PGA Tour player of the year win
Scottie Scheffler has matched Tiger Woods as the only players to win the PGA Tour player of the year award for a third straight season.
Australian Associated Press
Windies waltz to T20 series win over Bangladesh
It had been 10 years since the West Indies last won a one-day international series against Bangladesh but they made quick work of the latest edition.
Australian Associated Press
Tardy Linde bats, bowls South Africa to T20 win
South Africa allrounder George Linde missed the team bus going to Kingsmead for the Twenty20 against Pakistan and needed a police escort to catch up.
Australian Associated Press
Children 'locked out' of childcare to get helping hand
Australian families earning less than $530,000 a year will be able to send their kids to childcare for at least three days a week under a Labor election pledge.

Latest stories