French far right leader Le Pen against long-range weapons for Ukraine

The far right National Rally (RN) will not allow Ukraine to use French long-range weapons in fighting off the Russian invasion, in the event the party has a say in government following current parliamentary elections, Marine Le Pen has said.

In remarks to US broadcaster CNN, Le Pen, a likely candidate for the RN in the 2027 presidential elections, said an RN government would also ensure that French troops would under no circumstances be stationed in Ukraine.

Le Pen was confirming the RN's position after President Emmanuel Macron earlier this year refused to rule out sending French troops to Ukraine to help train Ukrainian forces.

While agreeing that Ukraine should be able to defend itself against Russian aggression, RN leader Jordan Bardella has come out against supplying weapons that could lead to an escalation in the war. France should not supply Ukraine with missiles and other weapons capable of striking Russian territory, he has said.

The RN is looking to take a key role in France's government following the second round of voting on Sunday. It hopes to put up the prime minister, should it take a majority in the National Assembly.

The party emerged in the lead in the first round last Sunday, but recent polling indicates that the party will again take the lead in the second round but fail to secure an absolute majority.