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

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

Canadian Foreign Minister Melanie Joly said on November 1 that Ukraine should be allowed to use long-range weapons to attack 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 will continue to assert this position in discussions with allies and will present arguments to reinforce Ottawa's position.

In mid-October, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced his “Victory Plan.” One of the main points of this plan is to remove 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 Kiev to use Western long-range weapons to attack Moscow, but also considering whether to directly get involved in the conflict in Ukraine.

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

During a visit to Odessa on October 31, Norwegian Defense Minister Bjorn Arild Gram announced plans for additional military aid to Kiev, in particular for the maintenance of the F-16 fleet.

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

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

The two sides also pledged to improve Ukraine's health services, especially in the rehabilitation of wounded and sick soldiers.

The Norwegian Defense Minister's announcement came just before six F-16 fighter jets are due to be delivered to Ukraine, earlier than originally scheduled for late 2024.

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

For his part, the Ukrainian Defense Minister emphasized that this information will create conditions for Kiev 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