**France Supports Ukraine with No Limits**
The French Foreign Minister, Jean-Noël Barrot, has said that there are no “red lines” when it comes to supporting Ukraine. In an interview with the BBC, he stated that France will support Ukraine as much and for as long as necessary.
Barrot also hinted at inviting Ukraine to join NATO, which is a key request from President Zelensky. He suggested that Western countries need to increase their defense spending to counter Russia’s aggression.
This comes after a week of significant escalation in Ukraine, with the UK and US firing long-range missiles into Russia for the first time. Russia has also fired what it claims is a new type of missile, and Vladimir Putin has suggested the possibility of global war.
**Western Allies Must Not Panic**
Government sources have emphasized that Western allies must not panic in response to Putin’s threatening rhetoric. One source said: “The whole way through he has made threats – we have to not let it deter us.”
There is a nervous pause ahead of Donald Trump‘s return to the White House, and there are hopes to put Ukraine in the best possible position for any negotiation.
**Ukraine Needs More Military Support**
Sources inside and outside of the UK government have emphasized that Ukraine needs more military support. One source said: “I’d turn up with a trebling of European money for Ukraine and I’d go after Russian assets.”
Intelligence has revealed that Ukraine used drones to hit four Russian ammunition depots in September, which were successfully destroyed.
**Russia is a Threat to Europe**
Government sources have emphasized that Russia is a threat to Europe, not just Ukraine. A source said: “We can’t see them as anything other than a threat now.”
There is a realization that the threat from Russia may be permanent, with alliances with North Korea and Iran. One source said: “Get used to it,” it’s how we’ve lived for ever.
Read More @ www.bbc.com