New conflicts are emerging in the political landscape of European countries. This was reported by Zamin.uz.
Three major NATO member states – France, Italy, and the Czech Republic – have decided to refrain from paying for American weapons for Ukraine, according to Politico and other Western publications citing their sources. The French government explained this decision by emphasizing that President Emmanuel Macron has long been advocating for the necessity of developing the internal defense industry of Europeans.
Additionally, France is facing issues with budget deficits and spending cuts. These factors are hindering Paris from increasing its defense spending.
Sources from the Italian Ministry of Defense stated in a comment to La Stampa that there is not enough budget for purchasing weapons in the country. Ministry representatives emphasized that there are no financial capabilities to buy American weapons in Italy.
Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala also announced that his country will not participate in the program for purchasing American weapons for Ukraine. He mentioned that Prague is focusing on other mechanisms to assist Ukraine, particularly in supplying ammunition.
Analysts believe that these decisions by European countries may lead to the emergence of new directions in internal defense policy and forms of international cooperation. The form and scope of assistance to Ukraine will become clearer in the coming months.
