EU's Borrell Urges Lifting Weapon Restrictions After Kursk Attack, Calls for Patriot Systems

Aug 29, 2024, 09:48 AM

Josep Borrell, the European Union's top diplomat, has called for the removal of restrictions on Ukraine's use of Western-supplied weapons for strikes on Russian territory, following an attack on Russia’s Kursk region. Borrell emphasized that such restrictions hinder Ukraine's self-defense capabilities and urged EU countries to fully support Ukraine by providing necessary military aid, including air defense systems. Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov echoed this sentiment, noting increasing support among NATO allies for lifting these restrictions. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba, during a meeting in Brussels, conveyed a sense of urgency in delivering promised military aid, particularly Patriot air defense systems, stating, "Long-term peace in Europe depends on bold short-term decisions to support Ukraine."