Overview
- Reports say France has rejected a simplified route for Kyiv to procure UK‑made Storm Shadow missiles under the proposed €90 billion EU funding plan.
- A coalition of roughly a dozen EU capitals backs easing rules so Ukraine can purchase British weapons, according to The Telegraph’s reporting.
- The current concept prioritises European and Ukrainian manufacturers, while a proposed four‑tier system would allow non‑EU suppliers such as the UK to rank higher if they meet Ukraine’s needs.
- Documents cited in the coverage indicate Ukraine estimates €24 billion of its 2026 requirements would come from outside the EU, including Patriot systems, PAC‑3 interceptors, and long‑range missiles.
- British diplomats are engaging EU institutions as sources note France’s influence in security committees, and critics warn an EU‑first approach could undercut Ukraine’s air‑defence needs.