Weapons and support for Kiev at the NATO ministerial. Yes of Finland, Poland and Canada

Biden to date has avoided formal breakthroughs in the protocols prohibiting such use of its arsenals by Kiev. "Our position does not change," spokesman John Kirby asserted again Tuesday, "We do not encourage or permit attacks outside Ukraine's borders. Among the more cautious was National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan. Blinken is nevertheless pushing for revisions, citing the unprecedented front in the war opened by Moscow amassing weapons and bases close to the borders. According to the Washington Post, Biden is at least considering an authorisation for the use of short-range devices.

The possible American moves come after allies such as France, and more cautiously Germany, have indicated that Kiev can strike in Russia with Western weapons to defend itself, although divisions remain in the EU. Britain has already eased restrictions, as have the Baltic states. And on 29 May, Poland, Finland, and Canada were added to the countries that said they would not put conditions in place. NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg called for flexibility last week.

Giorgia Meloni on 29 May said: "There is a question as to whether to strike on Russian territory the places from where these missiles are firing, which in Ukraine are hitting the civilian population. I believe this is not necessary. I believe that it is better to strengthen the capacity to equip Ukraine with effective anti-aircraft defence systems, which Italy has also done here in part with the Samp/Ts, for example, and that this allows us on the one hand to protect the civilian population in Ukraine, and on the other not to risk an escalation that would be out of control'.

In Prague, Blinken will discuss further countermeasures: at stake is a crackdown on China for its role alongside Putin, which limits the impact of sanctions on Moscow's military-industrial complex.

In Moldova's capital Chisinau, Blinken meanwhile brought with him what was presented as a 'robust package of support' for 'energy independence from eastern sources and democracy'. Pro-Western President Maia Sandu is seeking re-election in October, along with success in a referendum on EU membership. The White House fears waves of Kremlin interference. The separatist region of Transnistria, where Russian troops are already stationed, supplies Moldova with electricity and Moscow could aspire to annex it.