Czech General Staff calls on West to allow Ukraine to strike military targets inside Russia
Photo: Chief of the General Staff of the Czech Army Karel Řehka (bintel.org.ua)
Western countries should "untie Ukraine's hands" and allow its army to use long-range missiles against military targets within Russia, stated the Chief of the General Staff of the Czech Republic, Karel Řehka.
"These restrictions need to be lifted because it is legal and legitimate for Ukrainians to defend themselves, even by attacking Russian territory. They cannot box with one hand tied behind their back," said Řehka.
In his view, Russia poses a threat of escalation but feels free to use missiles against Ukrainian cities and has a significant advantage.
"Planes take off from Russian airfields within range of the existing weapons, but Ukrainians cannot use them. And these planes then bomb civilian infrastructure, not just soldiers. Therefore, it would be entirely legitimate if Ukrainians could also target Russian territory," said the Czech Chief of Staff.
He added that the Ukrainian operation in the Kursk region demonstrated that Russia often just makes threats.
"The situation in the Kursk region showed some Western leaders that there is no need to fear escalation and red lines because, although the Russians are still rattling the nuclear saber, nothing happened when Ukrainians seized the entire district," emphasized the Czech General.
Strikes on the territory of Russia
The partners, against the background of Russia's activation on the frontline, allowed Ukraine to use the provided weapons for attacks in the border areas of Russia.
However, Ukraine urges its partners to lift the restrictions in order to use the received long-range weapons for strikes on military facilities on the territory of Russia. However, not all countries have made the relevant decisions, in particular, the US and Germany are still against strikes on Russia due to fears of escalation.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy recently stated that there is still no consensus among allies regarding the lifting of restrictions on Ukraine.
Read in the material by RBC-Ukraine why Ukraine is not given long-range weapons for strikes on targets in Russia.
