Kyiv, Ukraine – Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has called on Western allies to allow Ukraine to use donated weapons to strike targets inside Russia. This request comes after Ukraine signed a long-term security deal with Belgium, which includes the delivery of 30 F-16 fighter jets by 2028. However, the deal forbids Ukraine from using these jets to hit targets on Russian soil.
Since the war began, Western countries have restricted Ukraine from using their supplied weapons for attacks deep within Russia, fearing it could escalate the conflict and potentially trigger NATO’s collective defense.
Belgian Prime Minister Alexander De Croo emphasized, “Everything in this agreement is for use by Ukrainian forces on Ukrainian territory.”
Standing next to De Croo, Zelenskyy expressed his gratitude for the aid but argued that the restrictions are outdated due to the changing battlefield. “This is unfair,” he said. “We can’t use our partners’ weapons to strike Russia. That’s why we’re asking for permission to do so.”
Zelenskyy pointed to recent Russian attacks, including an airstrike on a Kharkiv supermarket that killed 16 people and injured 65. He argued that Ukraine needs to strike back to defend itself. “They’re attacking us, but we can’t respond because of these restrictions,” he said. “We see their movements through satellite images but can’t act.”
Recently, Ukrainian drones have targeted Russian energy infrastructure, causing concern among Western allies. The U.S. Secretary of Defense warned that these attacks could have global economic repercussions.
Zelenskyy defended these tactics, saying, “Russia started this war and disrupted our lives. Diplomacy didn’t stop their attacks, so we had to target their energy profits.”
NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg has also urged allies to reconsider these restrictions. “Too many limits are tying the Ukrainian forces’ hands,” he said.
Ukraine has specifically requested Germany to provide Taurus cruise missiles, which can reach up to 500 kilometers. However, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz has refused, calling it “irresponsible.”
After a meeting of EU defense ministers, EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell noted that some member states are open to lifting the prohibition. He stated, “Striking military targets on Russian soil is legitimate under international law if done proportionately for self-defense.”
As the war enters a new phase, the debate over these restrictions is becoming more urgent. Zelenskyy remains hopeful that the West will soon change its stance, saying, “We’re trying to make this process faster. I’m sure the result will be positive.”
