Germany Authorizes Ukraine to Use German Weapons Against Russian Targets

Germany has authorized Ukraine to use German-supplied weapons against Russian targets, following a similar move by the United States, in response to intensified Russian attacks near Kharkiv.

Germany has given Ukraine permission to use German-supplied weapons against targets in Russia, Chancellor Olaf Scholz's spokesman, Steffen Hebestreit, announced on Friday. This aligns Germany with a recent decision by the United States.

Hebestreit stated that Ukraine has the right under international law to defend itself against attacks from Russia. The announcement comes as Russian attacks on Ukraine, particularly around the northeastern city of Kharkiv, have intensified. Moscow's forces have opened a new front in this area, leading to increased pressure on Ukrainian defenses.

Germany, following the United States' lead, now supports Ukraine's right to respond to these attacks using all weapons supplied by Western allies, including German heavy artillery and rocket launchers. Until now, Berlin had been cautious about allowing German weapons to be used against Russian targets to avoid escalating the conflict further.

This shift in policy comes amid growing calls from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky for more support and greater freedom in using the delivered military equipment. Zelensky has been urging Western allies to help Ukraine neutralize Russian military bases that are launching missiles into Ukrainian territory.

The issue was a topic of discussion during French President Emmanuel Macron's recent visit to Germany. Macron expressed support for Ukraine's right to target Russian bases used for launching attacks on Ukraine. Following these discussions, the United States also lifted restrictions on its weapons, allowing Ukraine to strike Russian targets in defense of the Kharkiv region.

Germany's decision marks a significant step in its support for Ukraine, making it one of the largest military backers of Ukraine, second only to the United States. This move reflects the increasing determination among Western allies to support Ukraine in its defense against Russian aggression.