France, Germany urge Ukraine to use allies’ missiles against Russia, Putin threatens consequences.

Western allies are divided over whether to allow Ukraine to use their weapons to strike deep inside Russian territory in retaliation for Moscow’s relentless missile attacks. French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz have called on Ukraine to use missile attacks to “neutralise” Russian military bases used as launchpads for strikes, but stress that civilian targets remain off-limits. However, the White House has maintained its stance and ruled out enabling Ukraine to use US-supplied weapons to hit Russian soil.

As Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy pushes for greater military support to defend his nation, Russian President Vladimir Putin issued stern warnings threatening “serious consequences” if Russia was struck with Western arms. “Representatives of countries that are NATO members, particularly in Europe, should be aware of what they are playing with,” Putin said on a visit to Uzbekistan, adding that “countries with small territory and dense populations” should be particularly careful. As the debate rages on with the war, the stakes remain high, with the potential for escalation looming large.

Belgium supplies fighter jets to Ukraine

In a pivotal development, Belgium has committed to providing 30 surplus F-16 fighter jets – a force capable of tilting the balance of power over the sprawling frontlines. These advanced, multi-role aircraft will bolster Ukraine’s ability to suppress Russian air defenses and strike deep into enemy supply lines with precision-guided munitions. Crucially, the F-16s could prove instrumental in countering Russia’s relentless glide-bombing campaign, which has devastated Ukrainian cities and positions with a barrage of up to 3,000 bombs per month. Armed with the latest AIM-120D air-to-air missiles, boasting ranges exceeding 100 miles, these fighters could push Russian bombers back, blunting their aerial edge for the first time in over a year and offering a much-needed respite to beleaguered Ukrainian forces.

Spain, Portugal provide aid to Ukraine

Ukraine’s military capabilities received a substantial boost recently through pledges of USD 1 billion in additional aid from Spain and Portugal. The unwavering support from the West comes as discussions intensify over the potential deployment of EU troops in support roles within Ukrainian territories. The bilateral aid from individual nations is crucial, as an estimated 7 billion USD from the European Union remains stalled by Hungary’s veto vote. Hungary is widely regarded as Russia’s closest ally within the EU. Amidst concerns over the gradual erosion of Western military aid and the looming spectre of war fatigue, Zelenskyy issued an impassioned plea, urging nations to resist Russian disinformation and not falter in their commitment to the cause. 

No end in sight for Ukraine

Since the Russian invasion of Donbas in February 2022, more than 500,000 soldiers and 10,000 civilians have been killed. Donbas has been the battleground of one of the bloodiest conflicts in recent history. Russia has launched over 8,000 missiles and 4,000 drone strikes on Ukrainian cities and infrastructure. Kyiv, Chernihiv, Liubotyn, and Rostov have been bombed repeatedly as the conflict has continued into 2023 with no resolution in sight.

As the war with Russia drags on, Ukraine finds itself at a pivotal juncture, urged by its allies to retaliate and strike deep into Russian territory, while facing stern warnings from President Vladimir Putin of severe consequences. The West’s supply of potent long-range weapons has emboldened Ukraine’s resolve, with leaders like Emmanuel Macron and Olaf Scholz endorsing their deployment to neutralize Russian missile launchers, albeit with restraints. However, Putin’s threats of further retaliation if Russian soil is struck loom large, reflecting the delicate balance Ukraine must strike to defend its territorial integrity without provoking an uncontrollable escalation.