"We are not at war with Moscow": Italy prohibits Ukraine from utilizing its weapons against Russia
Antonio Tajani, Italy's Minister of Foreign Affairs, reiterated that the official stance of Rome is to prohibit the use of weapons given to Ukraine for attacking the Russian Federation.
He said this at an informal council on foreign affairs in Brussels, according to Corriere della serra.
Thus, Tajani emphasized that Italy transfers mainly defensive weapons to Ukraine.
In particular, the country is preparing to transfer the SAMP-T air defense system. However, it cannot be used on the territory of the Russian Federation.
"Each country decides for itself (…) We repeat that we are not in a state of war with Moscow, NATO is not in a state of war with Russia; therefore, for Italy, the position remains unchanged – to use our weapons on the territory of Ukraine. Then other countries decide as they deem appropriate," the official said.
Ukraine prepares list of Russian targets for USA in bid to lift weapon restrictions – Politico
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It is worth mentioning that the administration of Joe Biden recently weakened its long-standing policy, according to which it prohibited Ukraine from using American weapons against targets inside Russia. However, certain limitations still remain.
Later, the White House clarified that the permission to strike with American weapons extends to the border not only of the Kharkiv region but also of the Sumy region. At the same time, the permit does not extend to long-range ATACMS missiles.
Later, the National Security Council of the USA explained that the permission to use American weapons on the territory of Russia is not limited only to the defense of the Kharkiv region. According to National Security Council representative Michael Carpenter, the authorization concerns the border area from where Russia is preparing its attacks on Ukraine.
In late May, Germany authorized Ukraine's Defense Forces to conduct strikes on Russian territory "in compliance with international law." Still, it is limited to the Russian border areas near the Kharkiv region.
Which countries supported Kyiv regarding the use of Western weapons on the territory of Russia:
- Sweden allowed Ukraine to use its weapons to attack the Russian Federation.
- Poland supported Ukraine's right to use Western weapons to attack Russia.
- The Czech Republic supported using partners' weapons for defense in the aggressor's territory.
- The Netherlands supported strikes on the territory of the Russian Federation with Western weapons.
- Ukraine can attack the territory of the Russian Federation with the help of weapons provided by Finland.
- Moreover, permission to use the transferred weapons for attacks on the territory of the Russian Federation was supported by the Baltic states.
- The Joe Biden administration has eased its policy of forbidding Ukraine from using American weaponry against Russian targets. However, some restrictions still remain in effect.
- Germany has allowed Ukraine's military to conduct attacks on Russian territory but within a restricted area of effect.
- The Netherlands allows Ukraine to use F-16 fighter jets on the territory of the Russian Federation.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine, Dmytro Kuleba, said that the partners have taken a crucial and long-awaited step by allowing the use of their weapons on Russian territory. Still, Ukraine will continue to work on expanding the area of its use.
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