The United States has granted Ukraine permission to launch attacks on Russian territory with its weapons, escalating tensions between the two nations. This decision has sparked warnings from Moscow, with Russia threatening severe consequences in response.

The backdrop of this decision is the ongoing conflict in eastern Ukraine, where regions remain under Russian occupation. With the situation intensifying, the question arises: Is it wise for Ukraine to launch attacks on Russian soil?

Sebastian Schäffer, Director of the Institute for Danube Region and Central Europe (IDM) and fellow of the Global Europe Center at the GLOBSEC Policy Institute in Bratislava, weighed in on the matter. In an exclusive statement to Ednews, Schäffer emphasized the necessity for Ukraine to defend itself against Russian aggression. He highlighted the clear provisions of international law, asserting that Kyiv has the right to strike targets anywhere in Russia to prevent further attacks.

Schäffer condemned Russia's actions, citing the destruction of civilian infrastructure like power plants, which has been ongoing for over 800 days. He stressed the urgency of enabling Ukraine to defend itself, lamenting the delay in such a decision by the US and European states like Germany. However, he expressed confusion over the timing and reasoning behind the policy shift, doubting that fear of Russian retaliation was the primary factor.

Despite Moscow's threats of severe consequences, including nuclear strikes on Western cities, Schäffer urged against capitulation to intimidation. He emphasized the determination of the Ukrainian people to fight for their survival against Putin's regime, which aims to annihilate the Ukrainian state.