European politicians weigh in on Biden's approval for Ukraine's long-range strikes: the situation is more complex than it seems.

The French publication Le Figaro, which previously reported on France and Britain's approval to use their missiles for strikes deep into Russia, has revised the article's text. The focus is on the long-range SCALP and Storm Shadow missiles.

Now, this section of the article reads: “Discussions were already underway in the offices regarding the permission to use Western missiles on Russian territory. [President] Emmanuel Macron commented on this during a state visit to Germany in May 2024.”

The French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot stated to journalists before the EU ministers' meeting in Brussels that France would consider allowing Ukraine to strike Russian territory with its long-range missiles, specifically targeting military sites from which the Russians launch attacks on Ukraine. Therefore, nothing new [on this matter], he summarized.

According to him, France was ready to grant such permission six months ago.

The head of the EU's foreign affairs department Josep Borrell expressed hope that EU member states would agree to grant Ukraine such permission, as reported by Reuters.

“I have said repeatedly that Ukraine must be able to use the weapons we have provided, not just to stop incoming fire, but to strike back at the archers,” Borrell said before meeting with EU foreign ministers in Brussels.

“I still believe this is what needs to be done. I am confident we will discuss this once again. I hope member states will agree on this,” added the head of European diplomacy.

The U.S. made an important decision regarding military support for Ukraine, stated German Foreign Minister Annalen Baerbock in Brussels before the ministers' meeting.

Baerbock described Biden's decision as “not a rethinking, but an intensification of what has already been done by other partners” and “very important at this time.”

The President of Poland Andrzej Duda called Biden's decision “necessary.”

“Russia sees that Ukraine has strong support and that the West's position is steadfast and resolute. This is a very important, potentially decisive moment in this war,” he said.

German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius stated that the U.S. permission for Ukraine to use long-range weapons will not affect Germany's refusal to supply Taurus cruise missiles: “This does not change our current assessment.”

According to him, there are currently “no reasons to make a different decision.”

However, Pistorius announced the delivery of 4,000 drones with artificial intelligence to Ukraine. He mentioned that they would be able to “somewhat disrupt the enemy's electronic defense system and bypass it.”

Political leaders in the United Kingdom have not yet commented on this matter, while the British press reported that “debates are ongoing” on Downing Street regarding this issue.

At the same time, two of Moscow's main allies in Europe – Hungary and Slovakia – criticized Biden's decision.

Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó called the U.S. administration's decision very dangerous. Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico also strongly opposed it, stating that it is aimed at undermining or dragging out peace negotiations.

Background. Meanwhile, Reuters reported that Ukraine may strike with ATACMS missiles against Russia in the coming days.