NATO allies support Ukraine’s use of long-range weapons against Russia despite US hesitation

Admiral Rob Bauer, Chair of NATO’s Military Committee, stated that Ukraine has both the legal and military right to strike deep inside Russian territory as part of its defense efforts.

Speaking at the close of NATO’s annual military committee meeting on Saturday, Bauer emphasized that “every nation that is attacked has the right to defend itself. And that right doesn’t stop at the border of your own nation.”

This stance is widely supported by key US allies, despite ongoing hesitation from the Biden administration to authorize Kyiv’s use of American-made long-range weapons for such strikes.

Bauer, who hails from the Netherlands, underscored the sovereign right of nations to place restrictions on the military aid they provide. However, standing alongside him, Czech military chief Lt. Gen. Karel Řehka made his country’s position clear, asserting that Kyiv should have the freedom to decide how it uses the weapons provided to them. “We believe that the Ukrainians should decide themselves how to use it,” Řehka said, reflecting a more hands-off approach to Ukraine’s military strategy.

These remarks come at a time when the Biden administration is weighing a critical decision: whether to allow Ukraine to use US-supplied long-range weapons to strike within Russia. President Joe Biden recently held talks with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, following a visit to Kyiv by both nations’ top diplomats. The discussions reportedly included pressure from Starmer to ease restrictions, particularly on the use of British Storm Shadow missiles, which could significantly enhance Ukraine’s ability to conduct deep strikes into Russian territory.

The comments from NATO officials highlight a growing division within the alliance, with some members supporting expanded military options for Ukraine, while Washington remains cautious. The outcome of Biden’s decision could shape the next phase of the conflict, as Ukraine continues to seek ways to regain the upper hand against Russian forces.