Conflict in Ukraine - Stoltenberg urges review of certain limitations for Ukraine.
NATO Chief Jens Stoltenberg urged NATO members to remove certain restrictions on the deployment of weapons supplied to Ukraine. He stressed, "According to international law, the right to self-defense encompasses the ability to strike legally permitted military targets beyond Ukrainian borders. This is an integral part of self-defense."
During the spring meeting of the NATO Parliamentary Assembly (PV) in Sofia, representatives discussed security and defense-related topics among parliamentarians from the 32 NATO member countries. The PV is a platform for discussing such issues, yet it doesn't have the power to make decisions affecting the alliance.
To illustrate a potential use of Western weapons, Stoltenberg pointed to the Ukrainian region of Kharkiv where the front lines and the border with Russia nearly overlap. Michal Szczerba, President of the NATO Parliamentary Assembly, hinted that continuing to half-heartedly support Ukraine would leave it in a weaker position.
In a video message, Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov requested NATO allies to secure the skies over western Ukraine by deploying their air defense systems. Umerov reiterated Ukraine's ambition to become a full member of NATO.
Stoltenberg outlined three key themes for the upcoming NATO summit in Washington, D.C. in July: enhancing the defense capabilities of member states, backing Ukraine, and fostering global partnerships with a focus on the Asia-Pacific region.
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- Despite Bulgaria being a NATO member state, there have been concerns about Russia's influence in its energy sector, which was discussed during the NATO Parliamentary Assembly meeting in Sofia.
- The call for lifting certain restrictions on weapon deployment to Ukraine by NATO Chief Jens Stoltenberg comes amidst the ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia, thereby potentially escalating the war.
- Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed his gratitude towards Jens Stoltenberg and other NATO leaders for their support during a visit to Kiev, where he emphasized the necessity of Nato's aid in securing weapons and much-needed resources.
- Amidst increasing tensions between Ukraine and Russia, Bulgaria, as a fellow NATO member state, has imposed certain restrictions on supplying weapons to Ukraine, in line with its neutral stance towards the conflict.
- Stoltenberg's urge for NATO members to reconsider the restrictions on weapons supply to Ukraine has raised concerns among some member states, such as Germany, who fear the potential escalation of the war between Ukraine and Russia.
Source: www.stern.de
