NATO calls for allowing Ukraine to use Western weapons

On Monday, May 27, the NATO Parliamentary Assembly adopted a declaration calling on NATO allies to speed up the supply of weapons to Ukraine and to lift restrictions on Western weapons strikes on military targets in Russia.

This was reported by the press service of the NATO Parliamentary Assembly.

The declaration was endorsed by a majority of more than 200 lawmakers from all 32 Allies.

The President of the NATO Parliamentary Assembly, Michal Scherba, emphasized the importance of rapid and unimpeded delivery of air defense systems and other vital weapons to Ukraine.

"They (Ukrainians - ed.) need our help. Not in two years. Not in two months. Not even in two weeks. They need it now. We need to accelerate and become more active. Give Ukraine everything it needs," Shcherba said.

He added that Ukraine can only defend itself if it can attack Russian supply lines and Russian bases.

"It's time to recognize this reality and let Ukraine do what it has to do. NATO will be significantly weakened and lose credibility if we continue to help with half-measures," Shcherba said.

The Ukrainian delegation said that restrictions on strikes on Russian military targets hinder the efforts of the Defense Forces to contain the Russian offensive in Kharkiv region.

"Russian terror must be stopped. For this we need your determination. We need more anti-aircraft weapons, more long-range capabilities for our soldiers," Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov said in a video message.

NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg emphasized that NATO allies have not fulfilled their promises on air defense, and these gaps and delays have affected the situation at the front. He called on Allies to "step up urgently".

Stoltenberg noted that the NATO summit in Washington in July should make progress in strengthening the Alliance's role in providing and coordinating long-term military assistance to Ukraine.

The Assembly also called on NATO governments to "prepare a long-term strategy and proactive measures for a modern deterrence of Russia to confront the Russian threat in all its dimensions."

Author - Ihor Lontkivskyi 27.05.24