EU Foreign Policy Chief Advocates for Lifting Restrictions on Ukrainian Airstrikes in Russia

EU Foreign Policy Chief Josep Borrell has called on Western allies to reconsider restrictions that currently prevent Ukraine from using long-range missiles for airstrikes within Russian territory. This appeal comes amid continued heavy bombardments by Russia against Ukrainian critical infrastructure, highlighting the urgency of Ukraine’s request for fewer limitations on the military aid provided by Western nations. With Ukraine’s defense minister lobbying in Washington for the lifting of these restrictions, the discussion revolves around Ukraine’s capacity to target significant Russian military sites that are currently off-limits under the existing rules.

• EU Foreign Policy Chief Josep Borrell urges allies to allow Ukrainian airstrikes in Russia.
• Ukraine seeks to lift restrictions on the use of Western-supplied long-range missiles.
• The Institute for the Study of War identifies approximately 250 significant Russian military targets within range of US-supplied ATACMS missiles, of which only 20 are permissible targets under current restrictions.
• Russian military analysts acknowledge the absence of a sophisticated missile defense system in Russia, similar to the Iron Dome, which could undermine its ability to counter Ukrainian long-range missile strikes.
• Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky suggests that lifting the restrictions could significantly impact the course of the war, citing recent military operations that might have been unnecessary had Ukraine had access to these long-range capabilities.
• The US hesitates to lift restrictions, citing concerns over the limited impact on the ground situation and the lack of air supremacy by either side.
• Russia continues its military advances in Eastern Ukraine, undeterred by Ukrainian tactics or the debate over missile restrictions.
• Ukraine has developed its own ballistic missile, named after a type of Ukrainian bread, which matches the range of US-supplied ATACMS, potentially offering a homegrown solution to its long-range strike capability needs.

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