Frederiksen: Let’s end the red lines discussion, Russia crossed most important one, entering Ukraine
Danish PM says discussions about self-imposed limitations have been a mistake, giving Russia "too good a card in their hands."
In an interview with Bloomberg, Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen has called on Ukraine’s allies to stop discussing “red lines” and lift restrictions on the use of donated weapons, including for strikes inside Russian territory.
Frederiksen stated,
“My suggestion is, let us end the discussion about red lines.” She argued that public discussions about such limitations have been a mistake during the war, “simply giving the Russians too good a card in their hands.”
The Danish leader pushed back against concerns that allowing Ukraine to use Western-donated weapons for long-range strikes in Russia would represent an escalation. Frederiksen emphasized,
“The most important red line has been crossed already. And that was when the Russians entered Ukraine.”
Currently, key Western countries, including the US, have denied Ukraine the right to use Western-made missiles for attacks deep inside Russian territory, fearing an escalation of the ongoing war. In response, Ukraine has increased its use of combat drones for long-range strikes to reduce Moscow’s attack capabilities.
Frederiksen highlighted the recurring hesitation among Ukraine’s allies in Europe and the US regarding equipment deliveries.
“There have been constant discussions about, ‘Are we allowed to give this?’,” she said. “It would be really good to stop the delays there have been. And I think that the restrictions on the use of weapons should be lifted.”
Denmark has already informed Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy that weapons donated by Denmark come with no restrictions as long as Ukraine complies with international law. However, Frederiksen noted that the country of origin, often the US, would also have a say in the matter.
The Danish Prime Minister also commented on the global nature of the Russo-Ukrainian war, stating,
“What we see now is a Russia that is getting closer to North Korea and to Iran. And I don’t think that Russia would be able to have a full-scale war inside Europe without help from China, unfortunately.” She added, “So this is not a European conflict, this is a global conflict and the consequences have been extremely high.”
Frederiksen’s statements come as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is expected to push for accelerated weapons deliveries during his meeting with US President Joe Biden on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly this week.
Related:
- CNN: Zelenskyy says long-range weapons ban lift key part of his “Victory Plan”
- Stoltenberg: Each NATO ally to decide on Ukraine’s use of missiles in Russia
- Politico: Biden deliberates on Ukraine’s missile use in Russia as nuclear plants face rising threats
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