Conflict in Ukraine - Russia Debates on Arms Placement: Blinken Imparts Flexibility - Pistorius Takes Precautions
In the ongoing discussion about Ukraine's use of Western weapons against Russian military targets, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has expressed readiness for adaptation. Since the war began, the US government has adjusted its support for Ukraine based on evolving circumstances, Blinken said during a visit to Moldova on Wednesday. He expressed confidence in maintaining this approach.
A reporter at a press conference with Moldovan President Maia Sandu in Chisinau questioned whether Biden could be swayed to remove existing constraints. Blinken stated that the US government has not sanctioned or endorsed attacks on Russian targets with American-made weapons. Ukraine is responsible for determining its own defense strategy. "We'll make sure they have the required equipment," he assured.
France Considering Lifting Weapons Restrictions
Literally, Blinken emphasized that a defining feature of American support for Ukraine since the onset of the conflict two years ago has been adapting to dynamic conditions, whenever the battlefield changes, or as Russia alters its conduct. He remained optimistic about continuing this approach.
French President Emmanuel Macron voiced support on Tuesday for permitting Ukraine to strike Russian military installations with Western-provided weapons. More recently, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg also advocated for this.
While the US provides Ukraine with weapons to reclaim occupied territories, it has yet to allowing attacks on Russia itself. The US government hasn't altered its stance.
National Security Council communications director John Kirby expressed this during a press briefing while Blinken was still in Moldova. He reiterated that there's no shift in policy: "We don't encourage nor enable the use of US weapons on Russian soil." He also highlighted the US's adjustment of its support according to the changing conditions on the battlefield. This pattern is expected to persist.
Media speculation suggested that Blinken was lobbying within the administration to sanction attacks on Russian soil. This speculation remained unconfirmed by the State Department.
Pistorius Weighs In Cautiously on German Weapons
In response to the debate on the use of German-delivered weapons, Defense Minister Boris Pistorius exercised caution when commenting. "Regarding military tactics and strategy, it's not advisable to publicly discuss what is permissible, unacceptable, and desirable," said the SPD member during a visit to the Patriot missile defense group 21 in Sanitz, Mecklenburg-Vorpommern. The Patriot missile defense system was operating there. "The laws of warfare govern these matters. The rule of law between nations regulates what is permitted."
Zelensky Expects Peace Summit Despite Russian Opposition
Approximately two and a half weeks before the planned Ukraine peace summit in Switzerland, President Volodymyr Zelensky held out hope for the event. Although Russia is attempting to dissuade countries from participating, it can no longer disrupt the summit, he acknowledged in his evening address on Wednesday.
The Swiss are arranging the meeting at the request of Ukraine on June 15 and 16 at the Bürgenstock near Lucerne. The goal is to rally further international support for the attacked country. Ukraine aims to sway not only sympathetic nations, but also those neutral or even friendly. China is a target focus.
The summit serves as an initial step in outlining peace prospects. Russia was not extended an invitation and has rejected participation regardless.
NATO Advances Preparations for Upcoming Summit
The foreign and defense ministers of NATO's 32 member countries are set to convene in Prague on Thursday and Friday for an informal meeting. At the upcoming NATO summit in July in Washington, it's planned to determine how to distribute duties previously shouldered by the US to support Ukraine.
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In light of France considering lifting weapons restrictions for Ukraine to strike Russian military installations, US Secretary of State Tony Blinken reiterated America's stance, stating, "We don't encourage nor enable the use of US weapons on Russian soil." Meanwhile, in Ukraine, President Volodymyr Selensky remains hopeful for an upcoming peace summit despite Russia's opposition, expressing, "Ukraine aims to sway not only sympathetic nations, but also those neutral or even friendly, like China."
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