Six justifications for the appropriate choice
Ukraine is now allowed to use weapons from the US and Germany against Russia. This latest move comes as a logical step rather than an escalation of the war.
Making such a decision wasn't easy but President Joe Biden and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz managed to pull it off. By granting Ukraine the permission to use American and German weapons in attacks on Russian positions, they're making history. This action has left us all in awe, making us wonder if it's crossing a line or if it's just another measure to prevent further bloodshed.
There are several reasons why this decision is justified. Firstly, the situation in Kharkiv needs to be considered. The city in the east of Ukraine is facing an onslaught by the Russians who want to turn it into rubble. The Ukrainians are equipped to defend themselves, but they were not allowed to use their weapons against Russian positions across the border. With the latest permission, they can now reach those positions using powerful weapons like HIMARS and Panzerhaubitze 2000. This could force the Russians to withdraw their artillery further, providing some relief to the people in Kharkiv.
Secondly, there are strategic implications to this move. If Russia successfully civilianizes Kharkiv, it would be a major victory for Putin, not just militarily but also in terms of propaganda. Reacting to the Russian onslaught has always been more difficult than defending the captured territory. With these new weapons, Ukraine can better defend its cities.
Thirdly, this decision helps strengthen Ukraine and makes Western weapons aid more effective. Previously, Ukrainians were forced to fight with one hand tied behind their backs. Allowing them to use these systems will ensure that Western weapons promise more bang for the buck.
Fourthly, international law supports this move. Countries under attack are allowed to defend themselves by striking enemy positions in the aggressor's country, regardless of the type of weapons used. Therefore, the US and Germany are complying with the law while easing the Ukrainian burden.
While Putin treats the law with disdain, this move isn't really an escalation. Ukraine already had the weapons and was using them to defend itself. The only difference with the new permission is that they can now target certain positions. There's not much of a change in the overall operations.
The argument against weapon deliveries, that it's a provocation, doesn't hold. Russia is already waging a war against Ukraine and has been ruthless in its attacks. There's a minimal risk of escalation towards an atomic war, but there's also a risk of inaction leading to an uncontrollable situation. To prevent this, the West must take a firm stance.
Finally, there's the issue of Russia's nuclear arsenal. Yes, it's a nuclear power and has threatened to use weapons if its interests are threatened. But we should not be threatened by those threats. Previous examples and expert opinions have shown that there's no reason to panic. The West has responded firmly against these threats in the past without escalations. To do nothing now would be devastating.
In conclusion, the permission to use Western weapons in attacks on Russian positions is a necessary step. It's a small measure, yes, but necessary to prevent the losing efforts from being in vain. However, the questions of what comes next and how this should continue and end still loom over us.
Read also:
- In response to the Russian aggression in Kharkiv, President Joe Biden and Chancellor Olaf Scholz from the USA and Germany, respectively, have given Ukraine the green light to utilize American and German weapons against Russian positions.
- This decision has significant implications for the NATO-Russia relationship, as it marks the first time Ukraine is authorized to use advanced weapons like HIMARS and Panzerhaubitze 2000 against Russian targets across the border.
- As the situation in Ukraine continues to unfold, leaders such as President Biden and Chancellor Scholz must carefully consider the geopolitical implications of this decision, engaging in diplomatic dialogue with Russia's President Vladimir Putin to work towards a peaceful resolution.
