EU foreign affairs chief calls Kursk offensive 'severe blow' to Putin

The European Union's foreign affairs chief, Josep Borrell, on Wednesday called Ukraine's Kursk offensive a "severe blow" to Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Borrell also appeared to argue in favour of lifting territorial restrictions on the use of western arms supplies by Ukraine. Some donor countries have insisted that their weapons only be used in Ukrainian territory.

Writing on X, Borrell said: "Ukraine’s Kursk offensive is a severe blow to Russian President Putin’s narrative."

He added: "Lifting restrictions on the use of capabilities vs the Russian military involved in aggression against Ukraine, in accordance with international law, would have several important effects," including strengthening Ukrainian self-defence, saving lives and advancing peace efforts.

"The EU fully supports Ukraine’s fight against Russian aggression," said Borrell.