EU Considers Allowing Ukraine to Strike Inside Russia with Supplied Weapons
Josep Borrell, the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, has expressed optimism that member states of the European Union may agree to permit Ukraine to use their supplied weapons to conduct strikes inside Russia. Borrell made these comments in Brussels, ahead of a meeting with EU foreign ministers.
“Ukraine should be able to use the weapons that we have provided, not only to stop the arrows, but also to hit the archer,” Borrell stated, re-emphasizing his belief that this action is necessary. He expressed hope that the member states would concur with this stance.
Support from the United States
In related developments, Germany’s foreign chief highlighted an important decision on military support for Kiev by the United States. This decision, she clarified, was not a change in strategy by the West, but rather an intensification of the support already provided by other partners. This move, she emphasized, was crucial at this point in time.
Lithuanian Concerns
Gabrielius Landsbergis, Lithuania’s foreign chief, voiced concerns regarding the uncertainty of how many missiles Ukraine possesses that could potentially be used to strike inside Russia. “The question is whether the Ukrainians are getting enough missiles that could make a difference on the front lines,” he stated ahead of the EAC meeting.
US Gives Ukraine Permission to Use ATACMS Missiles
According to a report by The New York Times, the Biden administration has given Ukraine permission to use its ATACMS missiles, which have the longest range provided to Kiev by Washington, to hit specific targets inside Russia. The first strikes could potentially be directed at North Korean troops fighting alongside the Russian military against Ukrainian troops in the Russian Kursk region.
For months, Ukraine has sought to convince its partners to lift a ban on attacking military targets inside Russia with long-range missiles. However, Washington has been hesitant to take this step, fearing potential retaliation from Russia.
