Top EU diplomat Josep Borrell has called for Ukraine to lift restrictions on the use of Western long-range weapons against targets in Russia. In an Aug. 21 post on X/Twitter, Borrell argued that such a move would have several important implications and would end the safe haven for Russian aircraft deployed against Ukraine, according to Politico.
This call comes as Kyiv continues to press its allies to lift restrictions on the use of long-range weapons against targets in Russia. Countries such as the US and UK/France have imposed such bans on their ATACMS and Storm Shadow missiles out of fear of escalation if certain red lines are crossed. Germany, which has completely denied its long-range capabilities, continues to reject Ukraine’s requests for Taurus missiles. Meanwhile, Ukraine’s ongoing invasion of Russia suggests that the red line argument may no longer hold.
“Ukraine’s Kursk offensive is a severe blow to Russian President Putin’s narrative”, said Borrell. He explained that the lifting of restrictions “Strengthening Ukrainian self-defense by ending Russian protection from attacks and bombings of Ukrainian cities and infrastructure,” as well as “Save lives and reduce destruction in Ukraine,” And “Help advance peace efforts.”
Borrell added that he had told Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba that the EU “fully supports Ukraine’s fight against Russian aggression.”
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy even previously stated:
“If our partners lifted all restrictions on long-range capabilities, Ukraine would not need to physically invade Kursk Oblast (Russia)..”
Zelensky argued that the aim of the invasion was to create a buffer zone near the border with Russia to protect Ukrainian border communities from Russian attacks.
Politico notes that some allies, such as Denmark and Sweden, have said Ukraine can use the donated weapons at its own discretion. A similar message came earlier from Finland. However, the long-range capabilities have only been provided by the US and UK/France.
Related:
