Baerbock backs US move allowing Ukraine use of long-range missiles

German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock has expressed approval of reports that US President Joe Biden is allowing Ukraine to use long-range missiles against specific targets in Russia.

Speaking to German broadcaster rbb Inforadio, Baerbock emphasized the importance of enabling Ukraine to neutralize threats at their source.

“Ukrainians shouldn’t have to wait for rockets to cross the border – they should be able to destroy launch sites directly,” Baerbock stated, citing the principle of self-defence.

Baerbock, from the Greens, said that her party aligns with eastern European partners, as well as the British, French, and the US government on this stance. The Social Democratic Party of German Chancellor Olaf Scholz has been hesitant to give Kiev weapons that would enable Ukrainian forces to strike deep into Russian territory.

She highlighted the unique challenges Ukraine faces, where proximity to the Russian border often renders air defence ineffective due to the rapid impact of missiles.

Media reports suggest that President Biden has approved Ukraine’s use of ATACMS missiles to defend its forces, particularly in the Kursk region, which is partly occupied by Ukrainian troops. While the Pentagon and National Security Council declined to comment, they did not deny the reports.