Growing Number of NATO Allies Back Ukraine's Use of Western Weapons Against Russia

As tensions rise in Ukraine, Western allies have agreed to support Kyiv's request to conduct strikes inside Russian territory using Western-supplied weapons. This decision comes as Ukraine's second-largest city, Kharkiv, prepares for a potential Russian offensive. President Biden has authorized the use of American weaponry for this purpose, following Canada's recent approval of a similar measure.

The United States, a key supplier of military equipment to Ukraine, had initially been hesitant to grant this permission, fearing a potential escalation with Russia. However, with Russia amassing thousands of troops near the Ukrainian border, there is a sense of urgency to provide Ukraine with the means to defend itself effectively. The approved use of American-made Army Tactical Missile Systems (ATACMS) against Russian targets inside Ukraine has now been extended to include strikes within Russian territory.

Focused Authorization

It is important to note that the authorization for Ukraine to use Western weapons against Russia is specifically intended for targeting military sites involved in the Kharkiv offensive. This targeted approach aims to disrupt Russian military activities near the northeastern city of Kharkiv without expanding the conflict further.

More than a dozen NATO allies have also granted similar permission for Ukraine to employ Western-supplied arms. This widespread support underscores the growing concerns about the situation in the region and the need to bolster Ukraine's defense capabilities.