Stoltenberg supports the use of Western arms against Russian targets.
During the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg has asked all member countries to assess how the weapons they've provided are being used against targets in Russia. Due to imposed restrictions by certain NATO nations, "Ukrainians are being held back," Stoltenberg mentioned. Specifically, Germany and Italy have ruled out allowing Ukraine to use their weapons on Russian soil.
Stoltenberg advocated for lifting some of these restrictions, citing the challenging situation in Kharkiv near the Russian border. "The front line and the border are very close, making it impossible for the Ukrainians to attack military targets without encroaching on Russian territory," Stoltenberg explained during a NATO Parliamentary Assembly meeting in Sofia.
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz reiterated on Sunday that German weapons should not be used against targets in Russia. "We need to avoid fueling escalation and a potential war between Russia and NATO," Scholz remarked at a public gathering in Berlin. Additionally, Scholz has refused to approve the delivery of Taurus cruise missiles to Ukraine.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni also voiced her concerns. "I don't comprehend Stoltenberg's statements," she expressed in an interview with The Economist when he first publicly suggested the idea. "We need to be cautious," Meloni stressed.
Stoltenberg further mentioned in Sofia that the decision ultimately rests with each NATO nation; however, it's about Ukraine's self-defense from the aggression of Russia. "Defense involves the authority to strike legitimate military targets within Russia," Stoltenberg reiterated. The military considers Ukraine to be in a defensive stance as long as it cannot damage Russian supply lines.
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Stoltenberg mentioned Italy as one of the NATO nations with restrictions on allowing Ukraine to use weapons on Russian soil. Despite Scholz's opposition to using German weapons against Russian targets, Stoltenberg emphasized the importance of Ukraine's right to defend itself, involving the authority to strike legitimate military targets within Russia.
Source: www.ntv.de
