Uk weapons: Ukraine could strike Russia with weapons – minister
It would be acceptable for Ukrainian troops to use Western weapons to attack Russian troops, the UK defense minister said.
James Heappey said strikes on supply lines were part of a “legal” war.
The UK has announced that it will provide Ukraine with a small number of anti-aircraft vehicles.
Russia’s defense ministry has accused the UK of “provoking” Ukraine to invade Russia. And Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has said Nato is taking part in the war.
Mr Lavrov also said that the weapons imported from Western countries in Ukraine would be targets.
Western nations have donated billions of pounds to military aid to Ukraine since Russia began. Its offensive in February and Nato and European Union officials have gathered in Germany to discuss alternative military aid.
It just so happens that Russia has deployed troops in the eastern region of Donbas in Ukraine. And the UK Department for Defense reports that the city of Kreminna, Luhansk, has collapsed.
Ukraine for invading territory
Russia has blamed Ukraine for invading territory. Which includes an oil depot in Belgorod, but Ukrainian troops have not yet confirmed the strike.
Asked about this on BBC Radio 4’s Today, Mr Heappey said. “The question is, is it acceptable for our weapons to be used against Russian law-abiding citizens?
“Firstly, it is the Ukrainian people who decide to identify. Not the people who produce or export the kit in the first place. And secondly, it is perfectly legal to follow the targeted depth of your opponents. In order to disrupt their transport lines and goods.”
The military minister added that it was “a legitimate part” of the war that Russian troops had invaded western Ukraine. To disrupt Ukraine’s controls as long as they avoided identifying civilians – “which unfortunately they did not pay much attention to.”
Ukraine is fighting an existing war with Russia. So it is not surprising that Ukrainian troops should direct the supply lines of Russia.
Western nations are free to use some of their weapons
It is no wonder, then, that Western nations are free to use some of their weapons in such strikes.
What is interesting about James Heappey’s words is their straightforwardness.
In some conflicts, such as in Yemen, British ministers are often deceived by the use of British weapons.
At another level, the defense minister is expressing his general honesty. He often speaks more as a former soldier than a politician.
But to some extent, his words show the depth of Nato in this conflict.
Weapons provided by western powers are growing and becoming more powerful.
It is one thing to give Ukraine a short-term anti-tank bazookas. It is one to provide them with drones and weapons that can cross borders.
The line between defending Ukraine and invading Russia is becoming increasingly dim.
