PRAGUE, Sept 14 – A senior NATO military official suggested Ukraine has valid military reasons to strike deeper into Russia using Western weapons. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer recently met U.S. President Joe Biden at the White House as Ukraine’s allies deliberate on whether to approve Kyiv’s use of long-range missiles against Russian targets. President Vladimir Putin has warned that allowing Ukraine to strike with Western-made long-range missiles would mean the West is directly engaging in conflict with Russia.
During a meeting in Prague of NATO’s highest military authority, the Military Committee, its chairman Admiral Rob Bauer stated that according to the law on armed conflict, a nation has the right to defend itself, including beyond its borders if necessary. However, he acknowledged that countries providing the weapons can impose limitations on their usage. Bauer explained that, from a military perspective, striking deeper into enemy territory can disrupt logistics and supplies, thereby weakening the adversary’s ability to sustain an attack.
The discussion around this issue also involves significant political considerations. Nations supplying weapons may feel a sense of responsibility for their use, leading to ongoing political dialogue. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has been pressing for permission to strike deep into Russian territory with Western missiles such as U.S. ATACMS and British Storm Shadows, aiming to curb Moscow’s offensive capabilities.
Putin countered by claiming that the programming of missile flight paths would need to be handled by NATO personnel, as Ukraine lacks the necessary expertise. The debate over this sensitive issue continues amid heightened geopolitical tensions.
This report is based on an automated news agency feed without modifications to the text.
Original Story https://www.livemint.com/news/world/ukraine-would-have-military-reason-for-striking-deeper-into-russia-nato-committee-chief-11726340751715.html
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