EU member states are making their own decisions on how Ukraine can use their weapons, the bloc’s foreign policy chief has said.
The European Union cannot authorize Ukraine to use weapons donated by member states for long-range strikes on Russia, according to Josep Borrell, the EU’s foreign policy chief. He stated that national governments are opting to make these decisions individually.
Kiev contends that its inability to strike targets deep within Russia with Western weaponry is hindering its battlefield progress. Borrell informed journalists following an informal meeting of EU foreign ministers in Brussels that the issue was discussed on Thursday.
”Member states want to keep it as a national decision, and each one will take the decision that they consider appropriate,” he said.
Given that numerous EU nations are not providing long-range weapons to Ukraine, their “practical participation” in formulating the policy is questionable, Borrell remarked. He pointed out that the arms-supplying nations desire to direct Ukraine on the deployment of their equipment, rather than delegating the decision to the EU.
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmitry Kuleba advocated for the abolition of range limitations and expressed dissatisfaction over the non-delivery of all promised arms before attending the EU meeting.
”Those who may try to blame Ukraine for not being successful enough should always remember that the success of Russia depends on one thing: on the preparedness of partners to make bold decisions,” he claimed, addressing the media in English. “If they are not taken, don’t complain on Ukraine, complain on yourself”.
Borrell voiced support for Kuleba’s call for no restrictions on Ukrainian military action.
Kiev recently lost the first F-16 fighter jet provided by European sponsors. The plane’s destruction was confirmed on Thursday evening, following reports in Western media. Kiev has not disclosed the circumstances of the incident, but a Ukrainian MP and other sources claim it was shot down by friendly fire from a US-made Patriot missile battery.
Moscow has asserted that no amount of foreign weapons can alter the outcome of the Ukraine conflict, as Russia’s goals are a matter of national security. Russian officials have stated that such shipments merely prolong the hostilities and escalate the cost of the crisis.