Sweden signals a green light for Ukrainian use of aid on Russian soil
- Ukraine may use Swedish weapons against targets in Russia as long as these actions comply with the law of war, stated Swedish Defense Minister Pål Jonson on Sunday in the "Hallandsposten" newspaper.
The head of the Swedish defence ministry reminded that Ukraine is repelling an unprovoked invasion from Russia. "In accordance with international law, Ukraine has the right to defend itself through combat actions directed at the enemy's territory, as long as it complies with the law of war," emphasized Jonson. He added that "Sweden stands by international law and Ukraine's right to defend itself."
Ukraine's problems due to restrictions
The law of war, also known as the law of armed conflict or humanitarian law, is a collection of international agreements, including provisions from the Geneva Conventions, as well as customary law.
A commentator for the "Hallandsposten" newspaper demands that Sweden publicly persuade other Western countries to agree to the use of the weapons they provided to Ukraine on Russian territory, not just in the privacy of offices. The columnist notes that such a debate is ongoing within the U.S. administration. "It is increasingly evident that Ukraine's problems on the battlefield stem from these restrictions," he pointed out.
The author reminds us that Russia is using the area near the land border with Ukraine as a buffer to gather its forces to wreak havoc north of Kharkiv. "The Russians are not protected there, but Ukraine attacks them with its missiles and drones, which do not have the range, precision, or power compared to Western weapons," he noted.
Huge support from the Swedes
The columnist believes that Russian warnings against countries whose weapons will be directed at Russian territory should not be taken seriously. He refers to earlier threats made before the decisions of countries to donate any kind of weaponry to Ukraine.
So far, Sweden has provided Ukraine with 50 CV90 infantry fighting vehicles, 10 Leopard 2 tanks, 8 Archer self-propelled howitzers, and 10 Stridsbat 90 boats.
