Denmark shows support for Ukraine by allowing the use of donated weapons against Russian targets, provided it is done in accordance with international law. Mette Frederiksen announced Tuesday evening to TV2 News that Danish weapons deliveries can be used outside Ukraine’s borders as long as it follows the applicable rules of warfare. She emphasized that NATO’s Secretary General supports this position as Ukraine defends itself against Russian aggression. Frederiksen’s statement came after an international meeting in Prague where the issue of the use of Western weapons divided Ukraine’s allies. While some countries restrict the use of their weapons to Ukrainian territory, NATO’s Jens Stoltenberg called for a reassessment of this limitation so Ukraine can target Russian supply lines. Frederiksen shares Ukraine’s view on the need for such counterattacks and points out that an effective defense requires action across borders. However, she avoided commenting on specific examples or scenarios.
At a meeting in Brussels, the EU’s defense ministers could not reach an agreement on the issue. However, Josep Borrell, the EU’s foreign affairs chief, stated that proportional self-defense attacks on Russian territory are legitimate according to international law, but emphasized that the decision lies with individual member states. French President Emmanuel Macron has expressed a similar view to Frederiksen’s, believing that Ukraine should have the right to neutralize Russian military threats. But he warned against hitting civilians or other non-related military targets. Russian President Vladimir Putin, on the other hand, warned Europe of “serious consequences” if Ukraine uses long-range Western weapons on Russian soil.