Olaf Scholz (Chancellor of Germany) has, for instance, reaffirmed his opposition to Ukraine joining NATO early and his refusal to provide long range missiles to Ukraine.
US President Joe Biden acknowledged there was “no consensus” within NATO regarding the delivery of weapons that could reach deep into Russian territory. However, he stressed the need for a sustained Western support of Ukraine.
This is after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced his victory plan, which included a long-range strike by Ukraine inside Russia. The US and UK have provided systems like ATACMS missiles and Storm Shadow to Ukraine. However, their use is only allowed on Russian-occupied Ukrainian territory due to fears of nuclear escalation.
Bloomberg reported that Biden warned that the Ukraine was in for a “very hard winter” due to Russian strikes, while highlighting the need to continue assistance.
“We must not give up. We must continue to support the cause.” “I believe we must continue until Ukraine achieves a just, durable, and humane peace in accordance with the UN Charter, until human dignity is once again restored,” Biden said on his visit to Berlin.
While some allies may be open to discussing an invitation to NATO for Ukraine, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz has reiterated his opposition to Ukraine joining NATO early and to its refusal to provide long range missiles.
“We support Ukraine as firmly as we can.” Scholz said that at the same time we ensure that NATO doesn’t become a part of the war, and that this war doesn’t turn into a greater catastrophe.
John Kirby, a spokesman for the White House National Security Council, said that Biden intends to use his presidential authority in order to continue aid to Ukraine until the end of his tenure.
These discussions are dominated by the upcoming US presidential elections, and concerns about possible changes in Ukraine policy should former President Donald Trump return to office.
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken had earlier said that Ukraine could be allowed to conduct long-range attacks into Russia. He stressed that Ukraine has the freedom to decide on its own defense.
Reuters, citing anonymous US officials, reported that Washington was close to reaching an agreement with Ukraine on the provision of JASSM air-to surface missiles capable of reaching targets in deep Russia.
The Ukrainian parliament suggested that Ukraine might be granted permission to strike targets within Russia after the US presidential election in November.
Hungary is the only member of NATO and EU to have declared its opposition. Prime Minister Viktor Orban has said that Zelenskyy’s plan will fail.
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