Macron does not rule out the delivery of fighter jets

French President Emmanuel Macron has not ruled out the delivery of fighter jets to Ukraine. “Basically, nothing is forbidden,” said Macron today during a visit to The Hague. At the same time, he warned of the risk of an escalation and named a number of “criteria” that would have to be met for a delivery of French fighter jets. The German Chancellor Olaf Scholz (SPD) recently ruled out the delivery of fighter jets through Germany.

Macron said Kyiv must first make an official “request” before delivering fighter jets. Ukraine “has not done so before”. In addition, the weapons should not be “escalating” and “do not touch Russian soil, but only support the defensive capability”. Any delivery of arms should also not “weaken the capacity of the French armed forces”.

“No Taboo”

Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte agreed to Macron’s criteria for fighter jet deliveries. For his part, he stressed that there was “no taboo, but it would be a big step” if fighter jets were delivered to Kyiv. The Netherlands have not received a corresponding request from Kyiv either, said Rutte.

Scholz had repeatedly reiterated a strict rejection of fighter jet deliveries to Ukraine on Monday. Scholz made it clear that a debate regarding arms deliveries was not on his agenda. “Everything has now been said regarding this, including me,” said Scholz on Sunday during his visit to Chile.

The Ukrainian leadership is currently urging its Western allies to supply fighter jets. Kyiv has also expressed its desire for warships and submarines.