Italian defense minister claims that discussions of strikes on Russia wont terrify Moscow
Date
6/10/2024 8:24:17 AM
(MENAFN) Italian Defense Minister Guido Crosetto has stated that public demands for Western nations to allow Ukraine to use their weapons for long-range strikes on Russian territory are unhelpful to Kiev and will only serve to irritate Moscow. This perspective was shared amidst recent permissions granted by nearly a dozen NATO member states, including the United States, Germany, and France, for Ukraine to use their weapons against targets within Russia’s pre-conflict borders.
Italy has taken a different stance, with Crosetto affirming that Italian arms are designated solely for the defense of Ukraine and not for use on another country's territory. This policy has drawn criticism from NATO’s more hawkish Baltic members, such as Latvia, Lithuania, and Estonia, who argue that Ukraine should be free to strike Russian territory, supply lines, and military units without restrictions. Lithuanian Foreign Minister Gabrielius Landsbergis has criticized the initial limitations imposed on Ukraine, suggesting that these restrictions have hindered Ukraine's ability to effectively counter Russian aggression.
In an interview with Italy’s Corriere della Sera newspaper, Crosetto expressed skepticism about the utility of such public proclamations. He pointed out that many of the countries making these demands primarily send civilian and non-military aid. Crosetto questioned whether these statements positively influence the war's outcome, promote peace, or intimidate Russia, concluding that they do none of these but rather serve to irritate the Russians.
Crosetto also noted that if Ukraine intended to conduct such attacks, broadcasting these intentions would not be advantageous. His comments reflect a cautious approach to military support and highlight the delicate balance of international diplomacy and military strategy in the context of the ongoing conflict.
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