"Still Operational": Paris to Supply Ukraine with Armored Vehicles Nearly Half a Century Old

France is set to supply the Ukrainian armed forces with hundreds of old armored vehicles, announced French Minister of Defense Sébastien Lecornu, as reported by El Pais.

“To maintain a significant frontline, the Ukrainian army needs, for instance, our armored personnel carriers. This is a critical moment for the mobility of the forces,” the minister explained, noting that despite some models being over 40 years old, they are “still operational.” France plans to deliver them within a year, freeing up space in its army for newer Griffon armored vehicles.

In addition, Lecornu has disclosed plans to supply Ukraine with additional Aster 30 missiles for the French SAMP/T air defense system.

Russia believes that the supply of weapons to the Ukrainian armed forces hampers stabilization efforts and directly involves NATO countries in the conflict. Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov stated that any shipment containing weapons for Ukraine will become a legitimate target for the army.