As the conflict between Ukraine and Russia intensifies, a major point of contention has arisen within NATO regarding Ukraine’s right to use long-range missiles to strike Russian soil. The ongoing NATO meeting in Prague is set to deliberate the issue, following a series of Russian bombardments on Ukrainian cities, such as the weekend bombing of a supermarket in Kharkiv that claimed 19 lives. NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg has asserted Ukraine’s right to defend itself against Russian aggression, including the ability to target military installations within Russia. This stance is echoed by more than 13 Western partners, who have given Ukraine the green light to use their weapons for such attacks. The Kremlin, however, has accused NATO of provoking Ukraine and extending the conflict by encouraging these actions. While the Pentagon has clarified that the weapons sent to Ukraine are intended for use within Ukrainian borders, NATO members like Germany and the US are showing a potential shift in policy, possibly allowing for a more aggressive Ukrainian stance. The Czech Republic has proposed enabling Ukraine to use artillery shells for attacks on Russian targets, with EU and NATO countries pledging 1.6 billion euros for the initiative. The upcoming NATO summit in July is expected to further discuss this issue, as Ukraine’s military chief warns of a Russian troop buildup along the border. Amidst these developments, the US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has indicated that the US may adapt its support for Ukraine based on changing battlefield circumstances.
Key points
- NATO is discussing the possibility of Ukraine using long-range missiles against Russian targets.
- NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg supports Ukraine’s right to self-defense, including attacks within Russia.
- More than 13 Western partners have permitted Ukraine to use their weapons against Russian military targets.
- The Pentagon insists weapons provided to Ukraine are for use on Ukrainian territory only.
Contradictions👾While NATO members, including Germany and the US, consider relaxing restrictions on Ukraine’s use of Western weapons against Russian targets, the Pentagon states that the weapons are intended for use within Ukraine.
