French President Emmanuel Macron has called on European allies to unite in developing long-range strike capabilities in response to Russia's use of the Oreshnik intermediate-range ballistic missile against Ukraine.
Speaking to military personnel, Macron referenced Russia's second deployment of the Oreshnik, describing it as "a signal for Europe," according to BFMTV.
"The message is clear, and all those who believe that Russia is not a problem that concerns us must clearly understand it. We are within range of these missiles," Macron said.
The French leader urged European partners, specifically Britain and Germany, to collaborate on creating strike systems that could rival the Oreshnik. "If we want to remain credible, we Europeans, and especially France, which possesses certain technologies, must engage in developing new types of weapons that change the situation," he stated. "This capability increases our credibility and complements the nuclear deterrence factor."
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte has called on allies to urgently supply Ukraine with interceptor missiles following the Oreshnik attack. On 12 January, the Ukraine-NATO Council convened at Kyiv's request to discuss Russia's massive strikes on energy infrastructure and the use of the intermediate-range ballistic missile.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said on 13 January that he expects the United States and Europe to accelerate aid packages to Ukraine following Russia's latest massive strikes.
