Scholz explains permission for Ukraine to use German weapons for strikes against Russia
Olaf Scholz, Chancellor of Germany (photo: Getty Images)
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz has commented on the recent permission for Kyiv to strike with arms provided by Berlin on the territory of Russia. The head of the German government noted Ukraine's legitimate right to self-defense against hostile attacks, referring to Bild.
During his speech in the Bundestag on Thursday, Scholz explained his permission for the Ukrainian side to use German weapons on the territory of the Russian Federation during the war.
"According to international law, Ukraine has the right to defend itself against attacks on its territory, its cities, and its citizens," his statement to government members said.
Scholz added that this includes, among other things, Russian shelling of Kharkiv and the region, as well as constant strikes on border areas in Ukraine.
"This also applies to attacks similar to those in the Kharkiv region, which Russia carries out from positions in the border zone of Russia," the German chancellor said.
What preceded
Last week, after lengthy deliberations, the German federal government allowed Ukraine to use German weapons against targets on Russian territory, specifically in the border zone of the aggressor country, with a very small radius of action.
Later, Scholz stated that he did not believe that Ukraine's use of German weapons to target Russian territory could lead to escalation.
He added that the taboo on this had previously been lifted for Ukraine by Washington and that US President Joe Biden had said that it was only about the possibility of defending a large city, such as Kharkiv.
For more details on who else has given Ukraine permission to use their weapons against Russian territory, read the article by RBC-Ukraine.
Earlier, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz softened his position on the transfer of long-range Taurus missiles to Ukraine, which Kyiv has long been requesting from Berlin.
