In an effort to address the ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg has proposed that Western countries consider lifting the ban on targeting Russian military sites with weapons provided by their allies. This suggestion has sparked a debate among countries supporting Kiev, with differing opinions emerging among them.
Stoltenberg specifically mentioned the United States, which recently supplied long-range Atacms missiles to Kiev capable of striking targets 300 km away, including sites from which Russian forces launch missiles. The topic has become a focal point of discussion in Washington due to pressure from Secretary of State Antony Blinken. British Foreign Secretary David Cameron has also weighed in, stating that the decision to use British weapons against Russian positions lies with Ukraine.
While some allies take a cautious approach, others like Sweden have not ruled out the possibility. Sweden’s Ministry of Defense stated that Ukraine, facing an unprovoked and illegal aggression from Russia, has the right to defend itself within the bounds of international law. This stance underscores support for Ukraine’s right to self-defense.
The urgency of the situation is heightened by Russia’s daily raids on Ukrainian territory, particularly in the Kharkiv region. Ukrainian President Zelensky emphasizes the need for adequate air defense systems to protect the country from Russian attacks and calls for swift action from their partners to deter these threats effectively.
Germany’s Chancellor Olaf Scholz has expressed opposition to supplying German weapons for strikes on Russian targets by Ukrainian forces. Despite this, Germany has provided artillery to Ukraine in the past such as the Mars II rocket launcher. Recent reports suggest that Baltic countries like Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania are prepared to send troops to Ukraine if the conflict escalates in Russia’s favor.