EU Urges Lifting Weapon Restrictions for Ukraine

The European Union's top diplomat has called on international backers to lift restrictions on weapons provided to Ukraine, allowing its forces to strike targets inside Russia. Both EU members and the US currently impose limitations. Ukrainian officials stress the urgency and necessity of bold decisions and immediate military support.

The European Union's top diplomat on Thursday urged Ukraine's international backers to lift restrictions on weapons supplied to the conflict-ravaged country, enabling its armed forces to strike targets inside Russia.

The United States and some EU members currently limit the use of long-range ballistic missiles provided to Ukraine. The country urgently seeks to target airfields and military installations within Russia, which are used to launch attacks on Ukrainian forces and civilians.

EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell emphasized the need to lift these restrictions in compliance with international law, as the bloc's foreign ministers convened in Brussels to discuss Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

Borrell stated, "The weaponry that we are providing to Ukraine has to have full use, and the restrictions have to be lifted for Ukrainians to target the places from where Russia is bombing them. Otherwise, the weaponry is useless."

Speaking alongside Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba, Borrell condemned Russia's attacks on civilians. He reiterated Ukraine's desire to attack only "legitimate military targets" inside Russia.

Kuleba warned that Ukraine's backers would bear responsibility if Russia prevails, emphasizing the need for rapid and decisive actions from partner countries. He called for the speedy delivery of military support, including Patriot air defense systems, to avoid further loss and damage.

(With inputs from agencies.)