The foreign affairs ministers of the European Union convened in Brussels on Monday to address the escalating situation in Ukraine. Central to the discussions was U.S. President Joe Biden’s recent decision to permit Kiev to deploy U.S. long-range missiles for strikes within Russian territory.
Josep Borrell, the European Union High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, confirmed that Ukraine has received U.S. authorization to conduct strikes up to 300 kilometers into Russian territory. “Today, in particular, there has been no position on this. Each country makes its own decision,” Borrell stated following the ministerial meeting, emphasizing the lack of a unified stance among EU nations on lifting restrictions regarding military support to Ukraine.
While the foreign ministers deliberated on military and financial aid, the divergence of opinions highlighted the complexity of the EU’s position on the conflict. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz reiterated on Monday his decision not to supply Ukraine with Taurus long-range missiles, signaling caution amid escalating tensions.
Adding to the discourse, Hungary’s Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto expressed grave concerns over the White House’s approval for Ukraine to utilize U.S.-supplied long-range missiles. In a statement posted on Facebook, Szijjarto described the move as an “extremely dangerous” step that could further escalate the conflict.
The meeting underscored the EU’s challenges in forming a cohesive strategy in response to the unfolding events in Ukraine. As individual member states weigh their national interests and security considerations, the bloc grapples with the implications of increased military involvement and the potential ramifications for regional stability.
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EU FMs discuss Ukraine, split on lifting weapons restrictions
cgtn.com
