Long-range Weapons for Ukraine and Child Safety Is in the Center of the European Union’s Attention
On August 29, an informal meeting of the foreign ministers of the European Union took place in Brussels, where key issues of support for Ukraine were discussed, including the provision of air defense systems and the use of long-range weapons against legitimate military targets in Russia, in particular military airfields.
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba asked the European Union to lift restrictions on the use of long-range weapons against military targets in Russia. He stressed the need for immediate action to protect Ukrainian civilians, especially before the new school year, when the safety of children is a top priority.
The Netherlands and the Czech Republic have become an example for other countries which actively support Ukraine. The Netherlands provided F-16 fighters to Ukraine and allowed their use with no restrictions, which underlines their determination to support the Ukrainian army. Netherlands Chief of Defence Onno Eichelsheim confirmed that Ukraine could use this equipment according to its will, which became a signal to other countries to do the same.
The Czech Republic also expressed its support for Ukraine on the issue. Czech Foreign Minister Jan Lipavský said that his country did not limit the use of the provided weapons and called on other Western allies to abandon their restrictions, emphasizing Ukraine’s right to self-defense in accordance with international law.
EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs Josep Borrell noted that each EU member state independently decided on the lifting of restrictions on the use of long-range weapons by Ukraine. “This is the decision for each individual state to take,” he said. Although not all EU countries supply long-range weapons to Ukraine. Discussions on the matter of support Ukraine in its efforts to defend itself from Russian aggression have been ongoing.
Recall that some countries have already officially allowed Ukraine to use the provided long-range weapons to strike military targets in Russia. The UK, France, Sweden, Poland and Canada have expressed support for Ukraine’s right to self-defence, including the use of their weapons against Russian military facilities. The UK and France stressed that such actions were in line with international law, while Sweden and Poland reiterated their agreement to the use of their weapons by the Ukrainian military to defend their territory. These countries demonstrate their determination to support Ukraine in its fight for territorial integrity and sovereignty.
Since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, the situation has worsened significantly. According to the UN, at least 633 children have been killed and more than 1,550 injured since the start of the war. In the first half of 2024, 341 cases of children deaths and injuries were recorded, which is 40 % more in comparison with the previous year. These figures highlight the growing threat to civilians, especially as attacks continue and the new school year starts.
It is vital for Ukraine to have additional long-range weapons with daily shelling and threat to civilian life. The international community must provide Ukraine with all necessary means of defense as soon as possible to prevent further casualties and destruction.
Ukraine continues its heroic struggle for freedom and territorial integrity, demonstrating its determination to confront one of the largest armies in the world. However, to effectively defend itself, Ukraine needs the full support of the international community, especially its Western allies. It is necessary to allow Ukraine to use long-range weapons and other defensive means against legitimate military targets on Russian territory. This will help prevent further expansion of aggression and strengthen security in the region.
Russia must be stopped; peace and stability in Europe, and in the whole world, depend on the ability to unite and resist these actions. Only joint efforts by allied countries can stop the destructive actions that threaten not only Ukraine, but also global security. At this critical moment, Ukraine needs not just words of support, but real actions to achieve a just peace and protect common democratic values.