President of the Czech Republic: Ukraine should decide for itself whether to use F-16s against targets on the territory of the Russian Federation
30 August, 2024 Ukrainian F-16 fighters. August 2024. Photo credits: Ukrainian Air Force
Ukraine should decide on its own how to use the weapons provided to it, including the F-16 fighter jets. Czech President Petr Pavel stated this, Novinky reports. In Paris, French television asked him about the possible use of F-16s by the Ukrainians to strike targets on the territory of Russia.
"If, in accordance with Article 51 of the UN Charter, we want to help Ukraine against aggression and we help it with material supplies, but do not directly participate in hostilities, then it is Ukraine's business how to use these arms supplies," said Petr Pavel.
President of the Czech Republic Petr Pavel presents President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky with a CZ 75 "Order of the White Lion Edition" pistol from Ceska zbrojovka. May, 2023. Photo credits: Petr Pavel
In his opinion, the Ukrainian strikes on targets in Russia are absolutely legitimate.
"If it were not for the fact that Russia started the aggression and that it has been hitting targets on Ukrainian territory for a long time, Ukraine would not have to hit any targets in Russia," he reminded.
Appeals of other politicians
Previously, following the massive Russian attack on Ukraine on August 26, the High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy called for the lifting of restrictions on the use of Western weapons by the Armed Forces of Ukraine for military purposes in Russia. Josep Borrell emphasized that lifting the restrictions on the use of weapons against the Russian military involved in the aggression against Ukraine, in accordance with international law, would strengthen Ukrainian self-defense, protect lives, and reduce destruction in Ukraine.
Josep Borrell. Photo from open sources
"Russia escalated its aggression and renewed massive attacks across Ukraine targeting civilian infrastructure, including hydroelectric stations, and causing casualties," Borrell wrote on social media X.
He also noted that Ukraine urgently needed to strengthen its air defense. In early August, Marie-Agnes Strack-Zimmermann, Chair of the European Parliament's Subcommittee on Security and Defence, also called on the governments of Germany and other EU countries to ensure that the F-16 fighter jets recently received by Ukraine are more effective. In addition, in her opinion, the support should also include increasing the capacity of Ukraine's air defense systems.
Taurus KEPD 350 cruise missile under the wing of the EF-200A Typhoon multi-role fighter of the German Air Force.
Photo credits: Taurus
She also supports the supply of Taurus cruise missiles to Ukraine from Germany.