NATO Military Committee Chair Backs Ukraine’s Right to Strike Deep Inside Russia

NATO Military Committee Chair Backs Ukraine’s Right to Strike Deep Inside Russia

Admiral Rob Bauer, head of NATO’s military committee, has asserted that Ukraine possesses a legitimate legal and military right to conduct strikes deep within Russian territory to secure a strategic advantage. This position aligns with the views of several US allies, despite the Biden administration’s reluctance to allow Kyiv to use American-made weapons for such purposes.

Diverging Views on Weapons Restrictions

Bauer maintained that nations have the sovereign prerogative to impose limitations on the weapons they provide to Ukraine. However, Lieutenant General Karel Řehka, chief of the General Staff of the Czech Armed Forces, firmly stated that his nation does not impose such restrictions on Kyiv.

US Considerations on Long-Range Weapons

US President Joe Biden is currently deliberating whether to permit Ukraine to employ American-made long-range weapons for strikes into Russia. These discussions have exposed divisions within the alliance, with some British officials reportedly urging Biden’s approval to allow the use of Storm Shadow missiles for expanded strikes. Biden’s consent may be necessary as components of the Storm Shadow are manufactured in the US.

NATO’s Support for Ukraine

The issue of US weapons restrictions was not explicitly discussed at the NATO chiefs’ meeting, but support for Ukraine was a central topic. Many European nations have been staunchly supportive of Ukraine, motivated by concerns that Moscow may extend its aggression to their borders.

Allied Leaders Call for Bold Recommendations

In his opening address, Czech President Petr Pavel urged military leaders to “be bold and open in articulating your assessments and recommendations.” He emphasized the need for resolute decisions to safeguard the alliance and its way of life. Military leaders regularly formulate and present plans to NATO defense secretaries, who subsequently relay them to political leaders.

US Policy on Long-Range Weapons

Currently, the US permits Ukraine to utilize American-supplied weapons for cross-border strikes against Russian forces but prohibits the launch of long-range missiles, such as the ATACMS, into Russian territory. The US rationale is that Ukraine possesses drones capable of long-range strikes and should use ATACMS sparingly due to their limited availability.

Ukraine’s Pleas for Loosened Restrictions

Ukraine has intensified its entreaties to Washington to lift its weapons restrictions, particularly as winter approaches and Kyiv опасается Russia’s advancements during the colder months. Bauer reinforced the military rationale behind such strikes, emphasizing their ability to disrupt enemy supply lines and weaken the enemy.

US Focus on Global Coalition

General CQ Brown, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, reiterated the US policy on long-range weapons but stressed the importance of continuing to support Ukraine’s successes with the capabilities provided by the US and its coalition partners. He commended Ukraine’s effectiveness in developing and deploying drones.

Pentagon’s Stance

Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin echoed Brown’s sentiments, arguing that no single weapons system can determine the war’s outcome. Austin emphasized the need for a comprehensive assessment of factors before providing specific capabilities. He also acknowledged Ukraine’s ability to conduct strikes inside Russia using its own domestically produced systems.