France is pushing to restrict Ukraine from using a €90bn EU loan to buy American weapons, insisting the funds support European defence industries instead.

President Emmanuel Macron argues this would strengthen Europe’s arms sector and reduce reliance on the US, but Germany and the Netherlands warn it would hinder Kyiv’s access to essential systems like Patriot missiles, F-16s, and Himars launchers.

EU leaders agreed the loan should mainly fund weapons and wartime budgets, but debates continue over strict conditions limiting purchases from third countries.

Germany and the Netherlands insist Ukraine urgently needs US-made equipment for air defence and deep-strike capabilities, which EU producers cannot supply quickly, The Telegraph has reported.

Ultimately, member states prioritized Kyiv’s immediate military needs over France’s “buy European” strategy, allowing third-country procurement to proceed.