Sweden has permitted Ukraine to use its donated military weapons to strike deep into Russia — a bold move seen as an attempt to influence other nations to do the same.
Kyiv has long called for
greater freedom to hit targets in Russia by lifting the restrictions imposed by Western nations on their donated weapons.
While some have quietly granted the request, Ukraine’s most important backers such as the US
are still hesitant because of the possibility it could cause an escalation of the conflict.
In an interview with Swedish newspaper
Hallandsposten, Defense Minister
Pål Jonson said Kyiv has been exposed to an “unprovoked and illegal war of aggression” by Russia.
He further stated that the war-ravaged nation has the right to defend itself by all means, even if it involves striking enemy territory.
“As long as the military actions comply with the laws of war, Sweden stands behind international law and Ukraine’s right to defend itself,” Jonson stressed.
Swedish Weapons in Ukraine
Since Russia
invaded Ukraine in February 2022, Sweden has
sent 37 billion Swedish kronor ($3.5 billion) in military aid to the nation.
This makes Stockholm the ninth biggest donor, with the US still topping the list.
Among the weapons it sent were
Archer self-propelled howitzers,
anti-ship missiles, and anti-tank launchers.
The Scandinavian nation has also provided
ammunition and spare parts for its previously donated weapon systems.
Last week, the Swedish government
announced it is allotting 75 billion Swedish kronor ($7 billion) of military support to Kyiv over the next three years.
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www.thedefensepost.com
mil.in.ua
