Long-range strikes on Russia will ‘lead to escalation’ – NATO member’s PM
Lifting restrictions on Ukraine’s use of US-supplied long-range missiles against targets deep into Russian territory is senseless and counterproductive, Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico has said.
Biden has reportedly removed the restrictions on Ukraine’s use of ATACMS missiles, according to a New York Times report on Sunday. The White House has made no official statements.
“This is an unprecedented escalation of tensions,” Fico said on Monday, calling it an attempt to negatively affect the policies of US President-elect Donald Trump and “frustrate and delay” any peace talks.
Fico added that he was surprised by the speed with which some EU member states welcomed the reported move.
“This is simply a confirmation that the European Union is not capable of formulating fundamental foreign policy positions on its own, and that the West wants the war in Ukraine to continue at any cost,” the Slovak PM said.
Slovak Defense Minister Robert Kalinak and Foreign Minister Juraj Blanar have been instructed to “oppose this American decision on any world forum,” Fico noted.
Bratislava “strongly disagrees” with the US decision, viewing it as a “senseless” move that threatens Slovakia’s national interests, according to Fico. As Ukraine’s neighbor, Slovakia wants to see the conflict end as soon as possible.
President Vladimir Putin warned in September that the use of Western weapons on Russia’s internationally recognised territory would “significantly change the nature of the conflict.” According to Putin, it would mean that “NATO countries are directly involved in the military conflict” with Russia, as their personnel would have to be involved in the targeting process.
Slovakia is a member of both the EU and NATO, but Fico has dissented from the policy of both blocs regarding their unconditional support for Kiev, and has joined neighboring Hungary’s calls for a ceasefire and peace instead.
