All restrictions on Western weapons for Ukraine must be lifted, Borrell argues

The use of Western weapons for Ukraine shouldn’t be restricted, says EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell, in the aftermath of the Russian attack of August 26.

“Russia escalated its aggression with renewed massive attacks across Ukraine, targeting civilian infrastructure, including hydroelectric stations, and causing casualties,” Borrell wrote. 

The diplomat emphasized that Ukraine urgently needs air defense. “I reiterate that lifting restrictions on the use of capabilities against the Russian military involved in aggression against Ukraine, in accordance with international law, would strengthen Ukrainian self-defense, save lives and reduce destruction in Ukraine,” stated the EU High Representative.

Borrell intends to discuss these issues with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba and EU foreign ministers at their informal meeting on Thursday, August 29.

On the morning of August 26, Ukrainians suffered one of the largest combined assaults since the Russians launched its full-scale invasion, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed. At least five people were killed around the country, with at least another 17 injured in the latest Russian bombardment. Fifteen regions of Ukraine were targeted. Explosions were heard in numerous Ukrainian cities, including Kharkiv, Zaporizhzhia, Kryvyi Rih, Vinnytsia, Odesa, Lutsk, and Kyiv.