Borrell Evaluates Washington's Choice Regarding ATACMS Missiles
The EU's leading diplomat has expressed support for the removal of constraints on Ukraine's deployment of US-provided long-range missiles against Russia. Read Full Article at RT.com
TroibNews 
The EU should align with the US's decision and permit Ukraine to utilize long-range missiles for strikes deep into Russian territory, according to the bloc's chief diplomat.
Josep Borrell, the EU’s outgoing foreign policy chief, defended the authorization from Washington that allows Kiev to employ US-supplied long-range missiles against targets deep within Russia, asserting that this action aligns with international law.
During a press briefing on Tuesday before the bloc’s Foreign Affairs Council meeting, Borrell expressed his hope that other EU nations would adopt a similar stance. He confirmed on Monday that US President Joe Biden had lifted the limitations on Ukraine’s use of ATACMS missiles.
“After long discussions, President Biden authorized the use of long-range weapons [up to] 300 kilometers inside Russian territory,” stated Borrell, who described the development as “very good news for the Ukrainians” and expressed his support for the decision.
Regarding the EU's collective position, Borrell mentioned that it’s up to each member state to decide individually. “Some member states are already doing that, openly, and others, they are doing it without saying it,” he noted.
Borrell characterized the shift in US policy as being “fully in accordance with international law,” expressing optimism that “all [EU] member states will follow the US decision.”
The New York Times reported on Sunday that Biden had abolished longstanding restrictions on Ukraine’s use of ATACMS missiles, though the administration has yet to formally verify this policy adjustment.
The Russian Defense Ministry stated that Kiev launched six long-range ballistic missiles identified as ATACMS early on Tuesday into Russia’s Bryansk Region. The ministry claimed that five of these missiles were intercepted by S-400 and Pantsir air defense systems, while one was damaged and struck a Russian military installation in the Bryansk Region, igniting a fire that was quickly extinguished; they asserted that no damage occurred.
Additionally, French daily Le Figaro reported on Sunday that France and the UK had joined the US in permitting strikes on Russia’s internationally recognized territories with their weapons, though the publication later retracted its statement regarding the authorization of SCALP/Storm Shadow missiles for such actions.
French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot subsequently told reporters that Paris was still evaluating whether to permit Ukraine to target Russian territory using French-supplied missiles.
On Tuesday, Russian President Vladimir Putin approved a new nuclear doctrine that implemented changes he initially proposed in September. The updated doctrine states that Russia may utilize nuclear deterrence to counter aggression from hostile powers and military blocs that possess weapons of mass destruction or large conventional arms stockpiles.
It further specifies that an assault by a foreign nation lacking weapons of mass destruction, but supported by a nuclear-armed state, should be viewed as a collective attack from both entities.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov urged foreign leaders on Tuesday to thoroughly review the new doctrine.
Lucas Dupont contributed to this report for TROIB News
Josep Borrell, the EU’s outgoing foreign policy chief, defended the authorization from Washington that allows Kiev to employ US-supplied long-range missiles against targets deep within Russia, asserting that this action aligns with international law.
During a press briefing on Tuesday before the bloc’s Foreign Affairs Council meeting, Borrell expressed his hope that other EU nations would adopt a similar stance. He confirmed on Monday that US President Joe Biden had lifted the limitations on Ukraine’s use of ATACMS missiles.
“After long discussions, President Biden authorized the use of long-range weapons [up to] 300 kilometers inside Russian territory,” stated Borrell, who described the development as “very good news for the Ukrainians” and expressed his support for the decision.
Regarding the EU's collective position, Borrell mentioned that it’s up to each member state to decide individually. “Some member states are already doing that, openly, and others, they are doing it without saying it,” he noted.
Borrell characterized the shift in US policy as being “fully in accordance with international law,” expressing optimism that “all [EU] member states will follow the US decision.”
The New York Times reported on Sunday that Biden had abolished longstanding restrictions on Ukraine’s use of ATACMS missiles, though the administration has yet to formally verify this policy adjustment.
The Russian Defense Ministry stated that Kiev launched six long-range ballistic missiles identified as ATACMS early on Tuesday into Russia’s Bryansk Region. The ministry claimed that five of these missiles were intercepted by S-400 and Pantsir air defense systems, while one was damaged and struck a Russian military installation in the Bryansk Region, igniting a fire that was quickly extinguished; they asserted that no damage occurred.
Additionally, French daily Le Figaro reported on Sunday that France and the UK had joined the US in permitting strikes on Russia’s internationally recognized territories with their weapons, though the publication later retracted its statement regarding the authorization of SCALP/Storm Shadow missiles for such actions.
French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot subsequently told reporters that Paris was still evaluating whether to permit Ukraine to target Russian territory using French-supplied missiles.
On Tuesday, Russian President Vladimir Putin approved a new nuclear doctrine that implemented changes he initially proposed in September. The updated doctrine states that Russia may utilize nuclear deterrence to counter aggression from hostile powers and military blocs that possess weapons of mass destruction or large conventional arms stockpiles.
It further specifies that an assault by a foreign nation lacking weapons of mass destruction, but supported by a nuclear-armed state, should be viewed as a collective attack from both entities.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov urged foreign leaders on Tuesday to thoroughly review the new doctrine.
Lucas Dupont contributed to this report for TROIB News
