NATO military committee chair, others back Ukraine's use of long range weapons to hit Russia

NATO supports Ukraine's right to strike deep into Russia, despite US restrictions on American-made weapons.

The head of NATO's military committee said Saturday (September 14, 2024) that Ukraine has the solid legal and military right to strike deep inside Russia to gain combat advantage — reflecting the beliefs of a number of US allies — even as the Biden administration balks at allowing Kyiv to do so using American-made weapons.

“Every nation that is attacked has the right to defend itself. And that right doesn't stop at the border of your own nation,” said Adm Rob Bauer, speaking at the close of the committee's annual meeting, also attended by US Gen CQ Brown, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

Mr. Bauer, of Netherlands, also added that nations have the sovereign right to put limits on the weapons they send to Ukraine. But, standing next to him at a press briefing, Lt Gen. Karel Rehka, chief of the General Staff of the Czech Armed Forces, made it clear his nation places no such weapons restrictions on Kyiv.

“We believe that the Ukrainians should decide themselves how to use it,” Mr. Rehka said.

Their comments came as US President Joe Biden is weighing whether to allow Ukraine to use American-provided long-range weapons to hit deep into Russia. And they hint at the divisions over the issue.

Mr. Biden met with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer on Friday, after this week's visit to Kyiv by their top diplomats, who came under fresh pressure to loosen weapons restrictions. US officials familiar with discussions said they believed Mr. Starmer was seeking Mr. Biden's approval to allow Ukraine to use British Storm Shadow missiles for expanded strikes in Russia.

Mr. Biden's approval may be needed because Storm Shadow components are made in the US. The officials, who spoke on condition of anonymity to share the status of private conversations, said they believed Biden would be amenable, but there has been no decision announced yet.