EU's Top Diplomat Calls on Ukraine Allies to Allow Strikes Within Russia

The European Union's top diplomat called on allies of Ukraine to allow the nation to carry out military strikes inside Russia.

On Thursday, EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell spoke about Ukraine's ongoing war with Russia during a meeting in Brussels, where he said, "We need to lift restrictions on the use of weaponry against Russian military targets, in accordance with international law."

"The weaponry that we are providing to Ukraine has to have full use, and the restrictions have to be lifted in order for the Ukrainians to be able to target the places where Russia is bombing them. Otherwise, the weaponry is useless," Borrell said while speaking with reporters.

The U.S. imposes restrictions on Ukraine's use of the long-range ballistic missiles it provides, and some EU members also limit how their weapons are used. Meanwhile, Ukraine is eager to strike airfields and other military installations inside Russia that are used to launch attacks on its forces and civilians.

During a news conference on Tuesday, Pentagon Press Secretary Major General Patrick Ryder was asked whether the U.S. would reconsider its restrictions on Ukraine's use of American-supplied missiles.

"You've heard us say that the Ukrainians can use U.S. security assistance to defend themselves from cross-border attacks, in other words counterfire," Ryder said. "But as it relates to long-range strike, deep strikes into Russia, our policy has not changed."

Earlier in the month, Ukraine launched a surprise offensive operation in Russia's Kursk Oblast as war continues to rage between the two nations since Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered an invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.

Russia has since launched its own offensive operation in Kyiv and other Ukrainian cities, launching hundreds of missiles, including strikes in Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's home city of Kryvyi Rih.

While speaking to reporters on Thursday, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba also called for its allies to allow Ukraine to strike inside Russia.

Kuleba said that Ukraine is only seeking to hit "legitimate military targets" in Russia.

"The success of Russia depends on one thing: on the preparedness of partners to make bold decisions. If decisions are taken, Ukraine is successful on the ground. If they are not taken, then do not complain on Ukraine, complain on yourself," Kuleba said.

He added, "If we are supplied a sufficient amount of missiles, if we are allowed to strike, we will significantly decrease the capacity of Russia to inflict damage on our critical infrastructure and we will improve the situation of our forces on the ground."

This article includes reporting from The Associated Press.

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