Zelenskyy Urges NATO Allies to Lift Restrictions on Strikes Into Russia

WASHINGTON—During the 75th annual NATO summit in Washington, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy urged NATO members to lift limitations on their ability to target military sites within Russia.

On July 11, Mr. Zelenskyy stated that the elimination of all constraints on attacking military units in Russia is crucial for achieving success.

“If we want to win, if we want to prevail, if we want to save our country … we need to lift all the limitations,” Mr. Zelenskyy told reporters.

He criticized the fact that Ukrainian forces are unable to retaliate freely against missile installations in Russia that have launched attacks on civilian infrastructure in Ukraine, like the recent strike on a children’s hospital on July 8.

NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg agreed, asserting that decisions on targeting Russian military assets on Russian territory should be left to Ukrainian leadership.

“The right to self-defense includes the right to strike legitimate military targets in Russia,” Mr. Stoltenberg stated.

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“There’s no doubt that Ukraine has the right to use weapons they received or their own weapons … to hit targets on Russian territory.”

Several NATO member states have imposed restrictions on Ukraine’s use of security assistance, with the United States being a prominent example. The Biden administration has traditionally limited Ukraine’s ability to use U.S. systems for deep strikes into Russia.

However, recent attacks by Russia on civilian infrastructure in Ukraine have prompted some nations, like the UK, to authorize Ukraine’s use of missiles against Russian targets.

Mr. Stoltenberg also pointed out that the evolving front lines now present more legitimate targets in Russia.

He explained that due to the new Russian front near Kharkiv, the front line and the border line are now nearly identical, making it necessary for Ukraine to strike Russian forces within Russian territory.

“This is a war of aggression launched by Russia against democratic friendly neighbor, Ukraine,” Mr. Stoltenberg stated.

NATO allies are reaffirming their commitment to Ukrainian security by offering substantial support and pledging to spend at least “40 billion Euros” next year to bolster Ukraine’s defenses against Russian aggression.

Most of this aid will come from European NATO members, who will also oversee the coordination and provision of international security assistance previously provided by the United States.

The alliance has declared that Ukraine is on an “irreversible” path to NATO membership, a prerequisite stated by Mr. Stoltenberg to prevent future Russian attacks post-ceasefire.

Mr. Zelenskyy acknowledged Ukraine’s progress toward membership, although he indicated that membership might not be granted until the conflict is resolved.

“We are working diligently to ensure that Ukraine is prepared for when the time comes to be invited and become an official NATO member. I am confident we will achieve this.

“The next steps involve mediation and eventually membership.”

Regarding the outcomes of the NATO Summit, Mr. Zelenskyy described them as mutually beneficial for Ukraine and NATO. He highlighted that Ukraine received necessary partnerships and weaponry while also contributing to building a new army capable of collective defense.

“The alliance has grown stronger. This is a success for both parties. We are enhancing NATO. We have a robust military force and are combatting the tyranny of Putin,” Mr. Zelenskyy concluded.