Zelenksy will free hand for weapon use in Russia
At the end of May, the USA and then Germany allow Ukraine to use supplied weapons against targets in Russia - but only within a narrow framework. President Zelenskyy desires the lifting of these restrictions. Scholz considers it too risky.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has called on NATO allies for free rein in using the weapons they have provided against Russia. For Ukraine to win the Russian offensive war, all restrictions must be lifted, he said at the NATO summit in Washington. Chancellor Olaf Scholz rejected the demand and warned against an "escalation" with Russia.
Zelenskyy met with the 32 heads of state and government of the alliance in the NATO-Ukraine Council beforehand. Previously, he said about the Western weapons: "If we want to win, if we want to succeed, if we want to save and defend our land, we must lift all restrictions."
The USA, Germany, and other allies had granted Ukraine permission to use their weapons for defense against targets in the Russian border region of Kharkiv at the end of May. However, this applies only to the Russian border area near Kharkiv, as Scholz confirmed. "No one is changing the previous guidelines and regulations - and that's for good reason," said the SPD politician. The USA expanded their authorization slightly at the end of June.
The NATO allies "want to support Ukraine as much as possible," Scholz said. At the same time, they must "prevent an escalation of the war into a war between Russia and NATO." This requires "wisdom, clarity, and firmness," Scholz emphasized.
President presses for quick strengthening of air defense
Zelenskyy also urged the allies to deliver the air defense systems and F16 fighter jets promised at the summit more quickly. The deliveries must arrive in his country faster, he said. The USA has pledged an additional Patriot system for Kiev.
Zelenskyy expressed optimism about the summit decisions, stating that his country could soon join NATO. The NATO countries see Ukraine on an "irreversible path" to membership. However, they did not issue the membership invitation again. NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg praised Zelenskyy's reform progress during his appearance with him and confirmed: "The future of Ukraine lies in NATO."
- Chancellor Olaf Scholz, amidst the discourse on weapons deliveries to Ukraine, considered the potential lifting of restrictions on weapon usage against Russia as too risky.
- Volodymyr Zelenskyy, in his meeting with NATO allies in the NATO-Ukraine Council, urged for the lifting of all restrictions on the use of supplied weapons to defeat the Russian offensive.
- The USA expanded their authorization for Ukraine to use their weapons in defense against Russian targets, specifically in the Kharkiv border region, towards the end of June.
- President Zelenskyy pressed for quick delivery of the promised air defense systems and F16 fighter jets, emphasizing the need for faster arrivals of these weapons in Ukraine.
