Pressure is steadily mounting on US President Joe Biden to permit Ukraine to utilize weapons supplied by the West to attack Russian territory. Several US allies have recently indicated their openness to this idea, despite warnings from Russian President Vladimir Putin of “serious consequences” particularly for “small countries” in Europe. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, currently in Prague for a meeting of Nato foreign ministers, stated that Washington’s position may change based on evolving battlefield conditions. However, the White House maintains its policy of supporting Kyiv without approval for striking Russian territory.
French President Emmanuel Macron has expressed support for allowing Ukraine to utilize Western-supplied weapons against military targets in Russia, a sentiment echoed by German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and other Western leaders. Nato chief Jens Stoltenberg emphasized Ukraine’s right to self-defense, including the option to target military sites in Russia. UK and Polish officials have also indicated a willingness for Ukraine to use their weapons as necessary. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has criticized imposed restrictions on weapon use, emphasizing the need for Western support.
Amidst these developments, Russia has vehemently opposed the idea of external military strikes on its territory, warning of severe repercussions. Despite concerns from some Nato countries, such as Italy, others have quietly provided weapons to Ukraine for potential use in Russia. The US has already delivered defensive weapons, tanks, and air defense systems to Ukraine, including long-range missiles. The situation remains tense, with the potential for further escalation if the US allows Ukraine to target Russian territory.
Growing Pressure on Biden to Allow US Weapons to Strike Russia
