Berlin : The ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine has entered its third year, with Ukraine facing the might of Russia’s military. However, recent developments have given Ukraine reason to hope. On Thursday, France and Germany jointly announced that Ukraine can now use the weapons they’ve supplied not only within its borders but also across the border into Russia itself. This significant policy shift allows Ukraine to strike back at Russian military sites that have been launching attacks from within Russian territory.
French President Emmanuel Macron emphasized this change during a press conference with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz. He stated that French weapons sent to Ukraine are now authorized to target locations inside Russia, including long-range missile sites. The move comes as Ukraine faces mounting aggression from Russian forces, particularly in areas like Kharkiv.
Macron defended the decision, asserting that Ukraine should be allowed to neutralize the military sites responsible for firing missiles into its territory. “If we tell the Ukrainians that they cannot strike the very points from which these missiles are launched,” he said, “we would essentially be providing them with weapons but denying them the right to self-defense.”
However, both Macron and Scholz clarified that this permission does not extend to attacking civilian or non-military targets within Russia. The conditions set by the countries providing arms, including the United States, must still be respected. NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg also weighed in, urging member nations to lift restrictions on Ukraine’s use of Western weapons for self-defense.
This development marks a critical moment in the conflict, potentially altering the course of the war. As Ukraine gains the ability to strike back at Russian military infrastructure, the dynamics on the ground may shift in its favor. However, the delicate balance between self-defense and avoiding escalation remains precarious. The world watches closely as Ukraine exercises its newfound authority to protect its citizens and sovereignty.
