The head of NATO’s military committee stated that Ukraine has the legal and military right to strike deep inside Russia to gain combat advantage. This perspective is supported by a number of U.S. allies, although the Biden administration has been hesitant to allow Kyiv to do so using American-made weapons. Nations have the sovereign right to put limits on the weapons they provide to Ukraine, but some countries like the Czech Republic have no such restrictions. This issue has highlighted divisions within NATO and the U.S. government regarding the extent to which Ukraine should be allowed to use long-range weapons against Russia.
During a meeting between U.S. President Joe Biden and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, discussions took place around the possibility of allowing Ukraine to use British Storm Shadow missiles for expanded strikes in Russia. Approval from Biden may be necessary as some components of the Storm Shadow missiles are made in the U.S. While Biden is believed to be open to this proposal, no decision has been announced yet. The support and training for Ukraine were key topics of discussion at the NATO chiefs’ meeting, but it remains unclear if the debate over U.S. restrictions on weapons use was addressed.
European nations have shown strong support for Ukraine out of concern that they could be the next targets of an empowered Russia. Czech Republic President Petr Pavel urged military chiefs to be bold in their recommendations to protect their countries and way of life. While the U.S. allows Ukraine to use American-provided weapons in cross-border strikes, restrictions exist on firing long-range missiles deep into Russia. The U.S. argues that Ukraine’s drones can be used for such strikes and that long-range missiles should be used judiciously due to limited supply.
There have been increased pleas from Ukraine to lift the restrictions on using long-range weapons, especially as the country prepares for the winter months and worries about Russian advances. Military leaders emphasize the importance of weakening the enemy, including disrupting their logistic lines and supply chains. While the U.S. policy on long-range weapons remains in place, efforts are being made to ensure Ukraine’s success with the capabilities provided by various nations. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin has highlighted the multifaceted nature of success in war, noting that there is no one silver bullet in determining outcomes.
In conclusion, the debate over allowing Ukraine to use long-range weapons against Russia reflects broader tensions within NATO and U.S. allies regarding the conflict in Ukraine. While some countries support Ukraine’s right to strike deep into Russia, others, including the U.S., have imposed restrictions on the use of certain weapons. As the situation continues to evolve, the question of how best to support Ukraine’s defense efforts while preventing further escalation remains a critical issue for international leaders to address.
