On 8 September 2024, Ukraine’s newly appointed Foreign Minister, Andrii Sybiha, called on Western allies to lift restrictions on the use of supplied weapons against targets within Russian territory. Sybiha argued that international law permits Ukraine to strike legitimate military targets in Russia as part of its self-defense efforts.
Ukraine ramped up its efforts to secure permission from Western partners for deep strikes inside Russia using Western-supplied weapons after Russia’s invasion of northern Kharkiv Oblast earlier this year. Back then, the US has permitted the use of short-range GMLRS rockets for strikes inside Russia but not longer-range ATACMS missiles.
In a post on the social media platform X/Twitter, Sybiha wrote,
“A country that defends itself against aggression in accordance with Article 51 of the UN Charter cannot be restricted in its defense. International law allows Ukraine to strike legitimate military targets on Russia’s territory. #LetUkraineStrikeBack to save lives.”
- Ukraine needs long-range weapons, permission to hit targets deep inside Russia, Zelenskyy says at Ramstein
- ATACMS scarcity influences US ban on Ukraine’s deep strikes inside Russia, Pentagon’s Singh says
- Kirby says US upholds ATACMS missile restrictions for Ukraine, claiming 90% Russian aircraft beyond range
- Reuters: US close to agreeing on JASSM long-range missiles for Ukraine
- Ukraine presents target list, requests US lift ATACMS restrictions for deeper strikes in Russia
