Canada expresses its stance on Ukraine's use of long-range weapons to attack Russian territory; Norway provides money to help Kiev maintain F-16s

Russia criticized NATO countries not only for discussing the possibility of allowing Kyiv to use Western long-range weapons to attack Moscow, but also for considering whether to directly intervene in the conflict in Ukraine.

Ukrainian soldiers drive to the town of Liubimovka, Kursk province, Russia, on August 16. Prior to that, on August 6, Ukraine deployed a large force of tanks and armored vehicles across the border, attacking Russia's Kursk province. (Source: The Guardian)

Canadian Foreign Minister Melanie Joly stated on November 1st that Ukraine should be allowed to use long-range weapons to strike military targets deep inside Russian territory.

In an interview with Radio-Canada , Foreign Minister Joly emphasized: "Canada's position is that we should allow the Ukrainians to use long-range weapons to attack military targets in Russia."

She said Canada would continue to assert this position in discussions with allies and would present arguments to strengthen Ottawa's stance.

In mid-October, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced the "Winning Plan." One of the main points of this plan is to lift restrictions on attacks deep inside Russian territory.

In response, Russian President Vladimir Putin criticized NATO member states for not only discussing the possibility of allowing Kyiv to use Western long-range weapons to attack Moscow, but also for considering whether to directly intervene in the conflict in Ukraine.

Putin warned that direct involvement by Western countries would change the nature of the conflict, and Moscow would be forced to make decisions based on threats against Russia.

In related developments, on the same day, November 1st, Norway announced plans to allocate funds to purchase weapons and spare parts for F-16 fighter jets to support Ukraine.

During his visit to Odessa on October 31, Norwegian Defence Minister Bjorn Arild Gram announced plans for additional military aid to Kyiv, particularly for the maintenance of the F-16 squadron.

According to Militarnyi , Norway is expected to provide $118.8 million in funding for these projects through the JUMPSTART mechanism.

During the visit, Minister Gram also signed another agreement with his Ukrainian counterpart, Rustem Umerov, which allows for the supply of weapons to Kyiv from outside Oslo's existing stockpiles.

Both sides also committed to improving Ukraine's healthcare services, particularly in the rehabilitation of wounded and sick soldiers.

The announcement by the Norwegian Defence Minister came just before the delivery of six F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine, earlier than the originally planned end of 2024.

According to the plan, by the end of Autumn 2024, the Norwegian government must submit to Parliament all information related to the new financial assistance package for Ukraine.

For his part, the Ukrainian Defense Minister emphasized that this information would enable Kyiv to strengthen its air defense capabilities.

Source: https://baoquocte.vn/canada-neu-quan-diem-ve-viec-ukraine-dung-vu-khi-tam-xa-tan-cong-lanh-tho-nga-na-uy-cap-tien-giup-kiev-bao-tri-f-16-292252.html