The head of NATO’s military committee, Admiral Rob Bauer, stated on Saturday that Ukraine possesses the legal and military right to launch deep strikes into Russian territory in order to gain a combat advantage. This stance aligns with the beliefs held by several U.S. allies. However, the Biden administration has been reluctant to permit Kyiv to use American-supplied weapons for such attacks.
Bauer, who hails from the Netherlands, also highlighted that nations have the sovereign right to impose limitations on the weapons they provide to Ukraine. Lt. Gen. Karel Rehka, the chief of the General Staff of the Czech Armed Forces, further emphasized that his country does not restrict the use of weapons provided to Kyiv.
These comments were made amidst ongoing discussions regarding whether President Joe Biden will permit Ukraine to utilize American-provided long-range weapons for strikes deep within Russia. The stance taken by Bauer and Rehka highlights the differing viewpoints on this issue.
U.S. officials familiar with the matter stated that they believe British Prime Minister Keir Starmer is seeking Biden’s approval to allow Ukraine to use British Storm Shadow missiles for extended strikes in Russia. Biden’s consent may be necessary because components of the missile are manufactured in the United States. The anonymous officials shared details about the current status of the discussions, indicating that they believe Biden would likely be amenable to the request, but no decision has been announced yet.
Additional support and training for Ukraine were key topics at the NATO chiefs’ meeting, although it was unclear if the debate over U.S. restrictions on weapons use was discussed during the event. European nations have been notably supportive of Ukraine, partly due to concerns about becoming the next target of an empowered Russia.
Czech Republic President Petr Pavel urged the military chiefs gathered at the meeting to be bold and open when articulating their assessments and recommendations. He emphasized that allies must “take the right steps and the right decisions to protect our countries and our way of life.” The military leaders routinely develop plans and recommendations that are then shared with civilian NATO defense secretaries for further discussion before being presented to the alliance’s leadership.
The United States currently permits Ukraine to use American-supplied weapons in cross-border strikes in response to attacks by Russian forces, but it does not allow Kyiv to fire long-range missiles such as the ATACMS into Russia. The U.S. argues that Ukraine has drones capable of reaching deep into Russia and should use the ATACMS judiciously since there is a limited number available.
Ukraine has been urging Washington to lift these restrictions, especially as winter approaches and Kyiv grows increasingly concerned about potential Russian advances during the colder months. Bauer explained that by striking deeper within Russia, Ukraine could weaken its enemy, disrupting their logistic lines, fuel, and ammunition supplies to the front lines.
U.S. Gen. CQ Brown told reporters traveling with him to the NATO meeting that the U.S. policy on long-range weapons remains in place, but he emphasized the importance of continuing to provide Ukraine with the capabilities necessary for success in the conflict. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin has made similar statements, arguing that no single weapon system will determine the outcome of the war.