According to sources in European diplomatic circles quoted by Politico, at the meeting of European Union defence ministers, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg will urge the bloc's countries to allow Ukrainian forces to carry out such attacks.
However, there is no consensus among EU and NATO leaders on this issue. While Rome and Berlin oppose such a move, a Scandinavian official, speaking on condition of anonymity, says that attacking legitimate military targets inside Russia is permitted under international law.
This conflict raises sensitive issues related to escalating tensions between Ukraine and Russia. On the one hand, it is argued that allowing Ukraine to attack Russian military targets with Western weapons could be a legitimate response to Russian aggression and a way of supporting Ukraine in its right to self-defence. Moreover, some argue that this would be supported by international law, as long as the targets are military and legitimate.
On the other hand, Italian and German opposition to such action suggests broader concerns. It is possible that these countries believe that such action could trigger a further escalation of the conflict and not contribute to a peaceful solution.
Moreover, it is important to bear in mind that any military action on foreign soil should be viewed with caution to avoid unintended consequences and further instability in the region.
Ultimately, the lack of consensus among European and NATO leaders on this issue highlights the complexity and sensitivity of the situation. A careful diplomatic approach is required to address tensions between Ukraine and Russia and seek a peaceful and sustainable solution.
Decisions taken must consider both Ukraine's security and the need to avoid further escalation of the conflict.