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U.S. State Secretary Antony Blinken emphasized that Ukraine has the ultimate say in how it uses U.S.-supplied weapons, despite Washington’s reluctance to support their use beyond Ukraine’s borders. He addressed concerns regarding the provision of long-range Army Tactical Missile Systems (ATACMS) and potential implications for Russia.
U.S. State Secretary Antony Blinken. (Photo: Reuters)
U.S. State Secretary Antony Blinken’s Statements on U.S.-Supplied Weapons to Ukraine
According to The Kyiv Independent, while addressing concerns about U.S.-supplied weapon systems to Ukraine, Secretary Antony Blinken reiterated that Washington neither encourages nor facilitates the use of these systems outside of Ukraine’s borders. Secretary Antony Blinken underscored that it’s fundamentally Kyiv’s prerogative to make decisions regarding the deployment and use of these weapons.
Furthermore, Secretary Antony Blinken emphasized that providing weapon systems alone is insufficient to ensure Ukraine’s ability to deter Russian military aggression. Secretary Antony Blinken highlighted the importance of effective training, maintenance, and integration into Ukraine’s military strategy to achieve its objectives effectively.
Secretary Antony Blinken explained that Ukrainians must possess the capability to utilize these weapons efficiently, and this may involve training, especially with advanced systems. Furthermore, they should have the capacity to maintain these weapons effectively. These efforts should align with a strategic military program that contributes to Ukraine’s overarching goals.
Ukraine has persistently lobbied for the acquisition of long-range Army Tactical Missile Systems (ATACMS), capable of traveling over 300 kilometers. Recent reports suggest that the U.S. is considering including these missile systems in an upcoming security assistance package for Ukraine.
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Germany’s Perspective on Supplying Long-Range Weapons to Ukraine
According to Yahoo News, during the joint press conference with Secretary Antony Blinken, Germany’s Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock addressed Germany’s perspective on supplying long-range weapons to Ukraine, including the Taurus air-launched missiles. She emphasized the need for clarification on sensitive issues surrounding the supply of these advanced weaponry.
Baerbock highlighted that Germany recognizes Ukraine’s right to self-defense and underscored that discussions are ongoing regarding the provision of long-range weapons to Ukraine. In particular, she mentioned the Taurus missiles, which have a range of up to 500 kilometers, and Ukraine’s formal request for these systems in May.
Foreign Minister Baerbock’s statements emphasized that the complexities of such arms transfers require thorough examination and discussions, with a focus on the specific capabilities and implications of these weapons for Ukraine’s defense strategy. This ongoing dialogue aims to address these sensitive issues and ensure that any assistance provided aligns with Ukraine’s security needs and its commitment to defending its territory.
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