Ukraine War: ‘Completely legal’ for Kyiv to attack military targets in Russia with Western weapons, Minister says | World News
Britain’s Defense Secretary said it was “completely legal” for Ukraine to hit military targets in Russia with Western weapons.
Armed Forces Secretary James Heappey’s blunt comments seem to point to the reality of Western support for the Ukraine war effort, but they could also be seized by the Kremlin to present a false story about how NATO poses a threat to Russia’s security.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said NATO was working effectively proxy war with Russiadue to the influx of Western weapons into Ukraine, creating conditions for the Ukrainian army to fight Russian soldiers.
James Heappey made the comments in interviews with the BBC, The Times and Sky News. Photo: AP
When asked if Ukraine’s use of Western weapons against targets inside Russia was acceptable, Heappey said the question was whether the use of armed systems by Ukraine’s armed forces against targets inside Russia was acceptable. gas donated by Britain and other allies for “legitimate Russian military purposes” is acceptable.
Mr Heappey said in an interview on BBC Radio 4’s Today program on Tuesday: “Firstly, it’s the Ukrainians who make the decision to target, not the people who manufacture or export the kits. this.
CHEAPussia says it wants to reduce risk of nuclear war ‘significantly’ – live updates
“And second, it’s perfectly legal to hunt down military targets at the enemy’s depths to disrupt their supply lines and logistics.
“Frankly speaking, the Russians do not target civilians, which is a pity that they have not taken it too seriously so far – their becoming targets in western Ukraine to disrupt their supply lines. Ukraine is completely legal.
“It’s very much part of the war.”
‘Ukraine needs to attack the depth of the opponent’
Speaking exclusively to Times Radio, the Minister was asked about the UK’s support of Ukraine’s attacks on Russian territory.
Mr. Heappey replied: “Of course we have … In the war, Ukraine needs to attack the depth of the opponent to attack the supply lines, the fuel supply, the ammunition depot and that’s one thing. part of it.”
Please use Chrome browser for more accessible video player
Blinken: Russia ‘is failing’
When asked specifically whether British weapons could be used to launch attacks on Russian soil, the armed forces minister said: “I think the things that the international community is doing right now. are supplying Ukraine certainly has scope for use on the border. But that’s not necessarily a problem.
“Ukraine is targeting what I can say are perfectly legitimate military targets to disrupt Russian logistics.
“And you know for a fact that they make those choices just like the Russians make the choice of indiscriminately bombing Ukrainian towns and cities.”
Vladimir Putin warned the West about sending weapons to Ukraine on Monday
Ministers’ comments bring NATO and Moscow closer to confrontation
Russia says it is legal for its forces to target the flow of Western weapons into Ukraine and has carried out numerous airstrikes in the western part of the country.
However, this flow enters Ukraine from neighboring NATO countries such as Poland.
Russia knows it will lead to direct conflict with the 30-member alliance — potentially even triggering a third world war — if it chooses to attack Ukraine’s arms supply lines on the soil of another country. NATO member.
But unequivocally confirming that Britain is supporting Britain and other Western weapons are being used by Ukraine against targets inside Russia could increase tensions and possibly even affect calculations. Russia, potentially bringing NATO and Moscow closer to direct confrontation.
Mr. Heappey, speaking exclusively to Sky News, spoke of the ongoing effort to ensure Ukraine receives the weapons it needs to fight Russia’s war, now in its third month.
Subscribe to daily podcasts onApple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify,Speaker
He said Britain had “scoured everywhere” for the 152mm shell, which is the caliber that the Ukrainian armed forces need for their existing guns.
Britain is also working with allies to deliver 155mm artillery shells, the NATO standard, to Ukraine.
“That means 100,000 more shells will be poured in, especially from the US to Ukraine,” he said.
