The High Representative of the European Union, Josep Borrell, publicly urged to allow Ukraine to strike military targets within the territory of the Russian Federation using long-range weapons.
According to UNIAN correspondent, the top EU diplomat Borrell made this statement during a joint press conference with Ukraine's Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha in Kyiv.
Borrell stated that he arrived in Kyiv to emphasize that the support for Ukraine from the European Union is unwavering, as Ukraine must continue to defend itself against Russian aggression.
"From day one, I clearly said that Ukraine does not need applause. President Zelensky and the Ukrainian people do not need loud ovations. They do not need to be told every time that they are brave and that their fight is very important. It's good to talk about this, but it's crucial to provide tanks, fighter jets, air defense, and ammunition," Borrell emphasized.
The top EU diplomat noted that one cannot fight a war without ammunition and the military potential that is required.
Moreover, he pointed out that Ukrainians have been demanding more weapons and rapid deliveries.
"This has been my constant call. We must do more and faster, and this remains true. We need to do more and faster - more military support, more training opportunities, more resources, rapid deliveries, and also permission to strike enemy military targets on their territory," Borrell stressed.
He metaphorically added that it is not enough to shoot down "arrows" because one needs to attack the "archers."
Borrell noted that he wants to insist on granting Ukraine permission to use Western long-range weapons to target Russian military sites:
"We cannot only shoot down arrows. We do a lot of that. We must eliminate the archers."
He also stated that it is necessary to accelerate deliveries and reduce self-imposed "red lines."
In his belief, time is measured in human lives, as Ukraine is losing lives while discussions continue daily about how much aid will be provided to Ukraine.
At the same time, as Borrell said, only a just and lasting peace matters for Ukraine.
"And for this reason, our position is clear: Ukraine must decide when to sit at the negotiating table and for what purpose. And the European Union stands firmly on your side in this. But we must not be naive; Putin does not want negotiations and will not negotiate until he is forced to do so," Borrell emphasized.
Separately, he mentioned that the European Union has militarily supported Ukraine with a total of about $45 billion:
"And we know that we need to continue increasing our support."
He also mentioned that the EU has started using revenues from Russian frozen assets to purchase weapons and invest in Ukrainian arms production. In his view, domestic arms production is much more efficient than purchasing from others.
Important news about Ukraine's war - what has been reported
As reported by UNIAN, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky noted that currently, four countries are capable of providing Ukraine with the long-range weapons that can help drive Russia out of Ukrainian territory and protect civilian lives. These are the USA, the UK, France, and Germany.