The kyiv’s reaction to the decisions of Washington, Berlin and Prague was immediate. The spokesman for the Ukrainian president, Sergei Nikiforov, declared: “This will significantly increase our ability to repel massive Russian attacks.”
Previously, US President Joe Biden in Washington, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz in Berlin and other NATO states announced at the informal meeting of foreign ministers in Prague thate Ukraine could use Western weapons against Russian positions and military installations, at least in the Kharkiv area. The rules for the weapons of the United States, Germany and France had been the subject of debate.
Baerbock: the only limit is international law
The minister Federal Minister of Foreign Affairs, Annalena Baerbockdeclared at the NATO meeting in Prague that he believes the debate on restrictions is wrong, since the objective is to repel an attack from Russia. “International law was clear from the beginning: it is clear that attacks can be repelled”he declared.
According to experts, international law allows the attacked state to destroy military objectives on the territory of the aggressor without regional restrictions on certain sections of the front. Baerbock mentioned that there are agreements with Ukraine whose content is kept secret.
Annalena Baerbock stressed that international law allows attacks to be repelled without regional restrictions. Image: Kira Hofmann/photothek/IMAGO
US restricts rules of engagement to Kharkiv region
For his part, the US Secretary of State, Anthony Blinken, stated in Prague that it was necessary to adapt to the circumstances of the battlefield and that Ukraine must be able to repel Russian attacks on Kharkiv.
The West has supplied Ukraine with howitzers and rocket launchers that, with their range of between 40 and 60 kilometers, could attack Russian positions in that region. However, it is unclear what weapons are deployed there.
Ondrei Ditirch, an expert at the Czech Institute for EU Security Policy, told D.W. that this measure is appropriate for the situation in Kharkiv. Ditirch noted that many states now maintain that there are no restrictions other than international law. “Without further conditions, we will no longer force Ukraine to fight with one hand tied behind its back,” Ditirch stated.
The use of long-range cruise missiles of American or British production remains restricted. Minister Baerbock did not specifically answer whether German Patriot missile defense systems should be allowed to fire into Russian airspace.
Western soldiers in Ukraine?
NATO ministers discussed the possibility of deploying military instructors to Ukraine. French President Emmanuel Macron will present a concrete plan next week. It is rumored that British and French soldiers are already assisting in operations, although there is no official confirmation. As for sending combat troops to Ukraine, no NATO member plans to do so.
NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg in Prague: Ukraine must be able to defend itself. Image: Michal Kamaryt/CTK/picture alliance
Hungary disagrees
Besides, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban warned of the risk of world war by increasing NATO involvement, as opposed to protecting its members. Orban, with close ties to the Kremlin, called the situation absurd.
Regarding the risk of escalation, Czech security expert Ondrei Ditirch believes it is minor. “There is some Western ambivalence regarding a possible advance of Russian troops in Ukraine. But I don’t think there’s any risk of escalation with the things that are currently being considered.“, said.
Just in case: safeguards against Trump
NATO Foreign Ministers They are preparing a long-term military and financial aid package, to ensure it continues even if NATO-critical Donald Trump returns to power.
For his part, Ditirch commented that it is unlikely that Europe can completely replace the US in NATO. “I think the European ambition to do more can go some way to convincing the Americans not to withdraw completely. That is more realistic than wanting to completely replace the US in NATO,” Ditirch said.
The future of NATO, the distribution of responsibilities and relations with Russia and China will be key issues at the upcoming 75th anniversary summit in Washington.
