Europe Divided: From ‘No-Brainer’ Support to Fears of ‘Nuclear War’ Over Strikes on Russia

As Tuesday marks the 1,000th day of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, tensions among European countries continue to rise as the war prolongs. U.S. President Joe Biden recently authorized Ukraine to use U.S.-supplied missiles, including ATACMS, to strike Russian territory, sparking division among nations.

The European Union (EU) leadership and several Western European nations have supported the U.S. decision. Josep Borrell, the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, emphasized during the EU Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Brussels, Belgium, on Monday that he firmly believes authorizing these weapons is essential. French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot, whose country has provided Scalp missiles to Ukraine, also noted that using missiles to target areas where Russia is invading Ukraine remains a viable option under consideration.

The Guardian reported that the U.K. is likely to follow the U.S.’s lead by allowing Ukraine to use its Storm Shadow missiles, which have a range of about 155 miles (250 kilometers), for strikes on Russian territory.

In contrast, pro-Russia nations within the EU have opposed the U.S. policy shift. Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico released a statement criticizing the decision to permit strikes on Russian territory, calling it an unprecedented act of escalating tensions and arguing that it dashes hopes for ending the mutual killing among Slavic peoples in Ukraine and beginning peace talks.

The Fidesz Party, led by Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, also voiced opposition. A party spokesperson expressed concern on Facebook, stating that if Ukraine uses U.S. weapons to attack Russian territory, the result would not be peace but the risk of a world war or even nuclear war. They emphasized the need for an immediate ceasefire and negotiations instead of additional weapons.