NATO foreign ministers gathered in Prague to discuss preparations for the upcoming leaders' summit, where the alliance is set to boost support for Ukraine. The meeting comes as countries begin to remove restrictions on how Kyiv can use western-supplied weaponry to combat Russia's invasion.
Following U.S. President Joe Biden's approval for Ukraine to use American munitions to defend Kharkiv, several ministers from countries such as the Netherlands, Finland, Poland, and Germany expressed their support for Ukraine's right to self-defense against attacks originating from Russian soil.
The decision to grant Ukraine greater leeway in using weapons gained momentum after Russia launched artillery strikes on Kharkiv from its territory, prompting urgent appeals for assistance from Kyiv. NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg emphasized the importance of upholding international law and Ukraine's right to defend itself, including targeting military legitimate targets inside Russia.
Stoltenberg highlighted the challenges faced by Ukraine in repelling attacks launched from Russian soil, stressing the necessity for advanced weapons to counter Russian aggression effectively. Ukrainian officials have been advocating for the removal of restrictions to enable their forces to defend against attacks originating from Russian territory, particularly in Kharkiv, which lies just 20 kilometers from the Russian border.
The delay in replenishment of U.S. military aid and Western Europe's limited military production have hindered crucial deliveries to the Ukrainian battlefield, allowing Russia to exploit the situation. As NATO celebrates its 75th anniversary this year, leaders are set to convene in Washington in July to reaffirm their support for the alliance. Stoltenberg expressed optimism that at least two-thirds of NATO members will meet their commitment to spend 2% of their GDP on defense by the summit.
