European Parliament backs Ukraine strikes on Russian targets
- Almost 60 MEPs have called for lifting restrictions on Ukraine's use of supplied weapons against Russian targets.
- Some EU countries support unrestricted military action, while others maintain limitations, creating a divide in military support.
- The European Parliament's plea highlights the urgency for a unified approach to assist Ukraine in its defense against Russian aggression.
Almost 60 members of the European Parliament have urged the head of European diplomacy, Josep Borrell, to advocate for lifting restrictions on Ukraine's use of weapons supplied by EU member states. The lawmakers argue that Ukraine should be allowed to strike military targets in Russia, especially in light of recent military actions, such as Ukraine's raid in the Kursk region. They believe that current limitations prolong the conflict and lead to unnecessary casualties. The call for unrestricted military action has garnered support from various political factions within the European Parliament, with the exception of the Patriots of Europe and Europe of Sovereign Nations. Some EU countries, including the Czech Republic, Sweden, and the Netherlands, have already removed conditions on the use of their weapons, while others maintain restrictions. This disparity highlights the differing stances among EU member states regarding military support for Ukraine. Josep Borrell has previously indicated that EU member states should consider withdrawing all limitations on Ukraine's military capabilities. The ongoing debate reflects the urgency of the situation, as Ukraine continues to face aggression from Russia. The European Parliament's plea emphasizes the need for a unified approach to support Ukraine in its defense efforts. Additionally, U.S. officials have imposed their own limitations on Ukraine's military actions, reportedly restricting strikes to less than 100 kilometers from the border. However, U.S. representatives have not confirmed this specific distance, indicating a complex relationship between Ukraine and its allies regarding military engagement strategies.