A number of EU countries agreed to lift restrictions for Ukraine on the use of Western weapons to strike Russian territory.
This was stated by EU High Representative Josep Borrell during a press conference on Tuesday.
Use of EU weapons to strike the Russian Federation
— How many countries have already agreed that the weapons they supply to Ukraine can be used to destroy targets on Russian territories? One and a half? Two? Honestly, I can’t say that. I can't give a number. Some directly stated: I am going to lift this restriction, — he said.
At the same time, says Borrell, other EU leaders said this, but not so clearly.
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— Others said, well, yes, but let me think about it. So I can't say whether they agree with this number or not. In any case, the number will change, — added the EU's chief diplomat.
According to Borrell, Russia considers this an important step.
— Imagine, they can attack Ukraine from their territory, given that this cannot be an attack on the objects and places from which they attack. Of course this is an advantage. This gives them security in a certain way. I attack you, but you cannot attack me. At least not in the places from which I am attacking you. And it is clear that Ukrainians would like to have such an opportunity. This is quite logical, — he said.
Because of such topics, discussions begin among leaders about escalation, about what this could lead to, says the EU High Representative.
— You read all these arguments every day in the newspapers, and you write in the newspapers, and I understand these concerns. But in life you have to choose. If you want to give Ukraine greater potential, you must give it a hand that can be used to defend itself against the attacks it faces.
If you believe the risk of escalation is greater than the benefits to the world, you will take a different position. And member states are taking different approaches. I know that there are those who are categorically against it, and there are those who are definitely in favor, — he said.
At the same time, Borrell emphasized that no one can interfere with the state — EU member to supply weapons to Ukraine and allow Ukrainians to use these weapons to destroy military targets on Russian territory.
— We cannot prevent them from doing this, just as we cannot force them to do it. So no country should be afraid of being forced to do something it doesn't want, — he added.
Ukrainian strikes with Western weapons on the Russian Federation
Previously, a number of Ukraine’s European allies, including Great Britain, Sweden, Latvia and Poland, stated that the Ukrainian Armed Forces can use their weapons without restrictions when attacking targets on Russian territory.
It is noteworthy that after the start of the Russian offensive in the north of the Kharkov region, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg also entered into this discussion and defended Ukraine’s right to use Western weapons against targets on Russian territory.
After pressure from Congress on the White House and the US government, Secretary of State Antony Blinken, according to press reports, also plans to prepare an appropriate permit for Ukraine, however, not without a number of restrictions.
On the other side is German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, who on May 26 said he was opposed to such attacks by German weapons.
