Netherlands allows Ukrainian forces to strike Russian targets with its weapons

Dutch Defense Minister Ruben Brekelmans stated that Ukraine is permitted to use Dutch weaponry on Russian territory for self-defense under international law.

The defense chief stated that Ukraine, which has the right to self-defense, could attack military targets if it is attacked from border areas or Russian airfields. He also noted that enemy missiles could be intercepted by their weapons over Russia.

Brekelmans also emphasized that international law is not constrained by distance and that the right to self-defense does not end 100 kilometers from the border. He added that no restrictions had been imposed on Ukraine regarding its operational range.

Furthermore, the minister clarified that permission for strikes on Russia also directly applies to the F-16 fighter jets that the Netherlands will supply to Ukraine.

He also urged other Western nations to lift restrictions on the use of weapons they supply to Ukraine.

Strikes on Russia's deep rear

In recent months, Kyiv has repeatedly requested its Western partners to allow attacks on military facilities and airbases deep within Russian territory using Western weapons. These requests have intensified, especially after Russia’s army launched an offensive in the Kharkiv region in May and escalated shelling of the region and Kharkiv with missiles and guided bombs.

Most European countries have supported this request and permission, but the United States and Germany have opposed such strikes, fearing escalation. Specifically, the US has allowed the use of its missiles only within a 100-kilometer zone along the Ukrainian-Russian border.

Currently, there is no consensus among allies regarding the removal of restrictions on long-range strikes on Russian rear areas.

Recently, US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin stated that the Russians have moved their aviation beyond the range of ATACMS missiles, meaning these weapons will not aid Ukrainian strikes.

Earlier, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz firmly refused to provide Ukraine with German long-range Taurus missiles, fearing potential strikes on Moscow.

For more on why Ukraine is not allowed long-range capabilities for strikes on Russia, read the RBC-Ukraine report.