NATO Weighs Allowing Ukraine to Strike Russian Soil with Western Weapons

NATO countries are debating whether to allow Ukraine to use Western-supplied weapons and supplies to strike Russian soil, as Kyiv faces intensified attacks around its second-largest city, Kharkiv.

As Russia's invasion of Ukraine continues, NATO allies are grappling with the complex and controversial question of whether to allow Kyiv to use Western-supplied munitions on Russian soil. The issue has sparked intense debate within the alliance, with some members expressing support for Ukraine's right to self-defense while others raise concerns about the potential for escalation.

The genesis of the debate lies in Russia's relentless artillery strikes on Kharkiv, a city mere miles from the Russian border. These attacks have placed immense pressure on Ukrainian forces and prompted Kyiv to plead for greater leeway in using advanced weapons to neutralize threats originating from Russian territory.

In a significant move that has shifted the dynamics of the debate, U.S. President Joe Biden has given Ukraine the green light to use American weapons to strike inside Russia for the limited purpose of defending Kharkiv. This decision has garnered support from several NATO ministers, including those from the Netherlands, Finland, Poland, and Germany, who argue that Ukraine has the inherent right to defend itself from attacks originating from Russian soil.

Jens Stoltenberg, NATO's Secretary General, emphasizes that Ukraine's right to self-defense is enshrined in international law. "Russia has attacked Ukraine, (which) has the right to defend themselves," he asserts. "And that includes also attacking military legitimate targets inside Russia."

Stoltenberg points out the glaring disparity on the battlefield: "If you look at the battlefield now, Russia is launching attacks on Ukraine’s soil from Russian soil with artillery, missiles, and massing troops. And, of course, it makes it very hard for Ukraine to defend themselves if they are not allowed to use advanced weapons to repel those attacks."

Ukrainian officials have vehemently called for the United States and its allies to lift restrictions on the use of Western weapons against targets in Russia. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, in particular, has argued that the current limitations place Ukrainian forces in an untenable position amid intensified attacks around Kharkiv.

Russia, eager to exploit any vulnerabilities, has been exploiting delays in U.S. military aid and inadequate production in Western Europe, which have slowed the delivery of crucial supplies to Ukrainian forces.

As NATO commemorates its 75th anniversary this year, its leaders are set to convene in Washington in July reaffirm their support for Ukraine. Stoltenberg expresses optimism that at the summit, he will be able to announce that at least two-thirds of member states are fulfilling their commitment to allocate 2% of their GDP to defense spending.

However, the debate over allowing Ukraine to use Western weapons on Russian soil remains unresolved, with NATO members grappling to balance Kyiv's legitimate right to self-defense with the pressing need to avoid further escalation and jeopardize the fragile ceasefire. The alliance will continue to engage in diplomatic efforts and strategic discussions to navigate this complex and sensitive issue as the conflict in Ukraine evolves.