France and Germany Back Ukraine's Right to Target Russian Bases

France and Germany have declared that Ukraine should be allowed to use weapons provided by Western allies to target military bases inside Russia from which attacks on Ukrainian soil originate. This stance, articulated by French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, marks a significant shift in Western policy, which had previously restricted the use of donated weapons to within Ukrainian territory.

Macron’s Position on Targeting Russian Bases

At a news conference in Brandenburg, Germany, Macron stated that French weapons sent to Ukraine, including long-range missiles, could be used to strike at Russian bases launching attacks on Ukraine. He emphasized the necessity for Ukraine to neutralize these military sites to protect its own towns, particularly in regions like Kharkiv. However, Macron stressed that these strikes should be limited to military targets directly involved in attacking Ukraine and should not extend to other targets within Russia, including civilian areas.

Scholz Echoes Macron’s Sentiment

Chancellor Scholz reiterated this viewpoint, affirming that Ukraine is entitled to defend itself in accordance with international law and the conditions set by the weapons’ suppliers, including the United States. Scholz highlighted the importance of Ukraine’s right to self-defense and found it perplexing that some critics opposed Ukraine’s measures to protect its territory.

Western Concerns and Policy Shifts

The policy shift by France and Germany reflects growing flexibility among Ukraine’s Western allies, who have traditionally been cautious about escalating the conflict. Historically, the use of Western-supplied weapons had been confined to Ukrainian territory to avoid provoking a broader war involving NATO. However, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has persistently requested permission to extend the use of these weapons to target the origins of attacks in Russia.

U.S. Position and Previous Red Lines

The United States, as Ukraine’s largest arms supplier, maintains a restrictive stance, explicitly forbidding Ukraine from using its weapons for strikes inside Russian territory. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken reiterated this policy, emphasizing the desire to avoid further escalation. Despite this, previous Western red lines—such as the provision of tanks and F-16 fighter jets—have been crossed, indicating a potential for policy evolution as the conflict continues.

Support from Other Western Allies

Other Western countries have also shown increased support for Ukraine. Belgium pledged 30 F-16 fighter jets and over $1 billion in military aid, while Spain announced a $1.08 billion weapons deal. These agreements are part of broader security commitments from nations including the UK, Germany, France, Italy, Denmark, Finland, and Canada.

Putin’s Warning

Russian President Vladimir Putin responded by warning that significant NATO involvement, such as providing reconnaissance support for long-range precision weapons, could escalate into a global conflict. Putin underscored the dangers for smaller European nations considering deeper involvement in the conflict.

France and Germany’s new stance on Ukraine’s right to target Russian bases signifies a notable policy shift among Western allies, reflecting the evolving dynamics of the conflict. While the U.S. remains cautious, the growing support from other Western nations underscores a complex balancing act between aiding Ukraine and avoiding further escalation.