Ukraine's use of Western arms purely defensive, President Zelenskyy states

Employing Western weaponry to strike targets within Russian territory would constitute defense, not aggression, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said during a meeting with journalists on May 17.

"I do not believe there should be any prohibitions because this is not about the Ukrainian army advancing using Western weaponry on Russian territory," Zelenskyy explained. "This is defense."

He likened these military actions to preventative measures, similar to sanctions. Zelenskyy also mentioned a "grey zone" along the Russian border, particularly in Belgorod Oblast, which is nearly deserted "for understandable reasons."

Read also: U.S. aid to Ukraine will impact battlefield, says State Department

In related developments, Le Monde analyzed statements made by U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken during his recent visit to Kyiv. The analysis suggests that Ukraine likely has the United States' approval to use American-made weapons against Russian targets.

Further backing this stance, UK Foreign Secretary David Cameron announced on May 3 that Britain would provide $3.74 billion in annual military aid to Ukraine "for as long as it takes." He emphasized that the UK has no reservations about Ukraine using these weapons to strike Russian territories.

Le Monde views the remarks from Cameron and Blinken as indicative of a "deliberate change in the West's position" regarding the conflict.

Read also:

• 'Cheaper to deter Putin in Ukraine than to allow him to win' — UK Defense Minister

• Overnight missile attack destroys Russian air defense and jets in occupied Crimea

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