The European Union’s chief diplomat, Josep Borrell, has called on European countries to enable Ukraine to use long-range weapons for attacks on Russia, following the U.S. decision to lift restrictions on American missile systems. Speaking ahead of his departure as the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs, Borrell reiterated that Ukraine should be permitted to strike military targets within Russian territory using Western arms.
“I’ve often said that Ukraine should be able to use the weapons provided not just to stop the arrow but to strike the archer,” Borrell emphasized, expressing hope that EU member states would agree. If consensus cannot be reached, Borrell suggested that individual countries might act independently to support Ukraine, as reported by The Guardian.
France, the EU’s leading military power, has yet to take a definitive position. However, French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot referenced President Emmanuel Macron’s statement from May, reiterating that France would consider enabling Ukraine to target Russian sites if those areas were actively used to attack Ukrainian territory. “This is not new. We have said we will explore this option if it addresses current threats,” Barrot stated before the Brussels meeting, according to Reuters.
Dutch Foreign Minister Kaspar Veldkamp described the U.S. move as critical, emphasizing that “President Putin mostly responds to realities on the ground. Hence, lifting these restrictions is highly significant.” He added that the Biden administration’s decision serves as an appropriate response to Russia’s reported deployment of North Korean troops.
Germany’s Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock noted that the shift does not represent a policy change but rather an intensification of Western military support. “The U.S. decision isn’t about altering our stance but ramping up what our partners have already supplied,” Baerbock clarified.
In related commentary, former NATO Supreme Allied Commander Wesley Clark told CNN that President Joe Biden’s support for Ukraine comes “too little, too late.” However, he suggested that enhanced U.S. aid could strengthen Ukraine’s negotiating leverage. “If Ukraine, with American assistance, maintains control over strategic areas like Kursk, it would hold a better position in negotiations regarding Russian-occupied eastern territories,” Clark told Deutsche Welle.
Meanwhile, speculation surrounds former President Donald Trump’s potential approach. His former National Security Advisor, John Bolton, warned that if Trump returns to office, aid to Ukraine might be drastically reduced. “Only two months remain until Trump takes over, and it’s almost certain aid will be cut,” Bolton stated.
