French and German Leaders Say Ukraine Has the Right to Attack Inside Russian Territory

French and German leaders said on Tuesday that Ukraine should be allowed to attack military sites within Russian territory, but should not target other areas. Hours earlier, Russian President Vladimir Putin warned that NATO members in Europe, by allowing Ukraine to attack Russian soil using Western weapons, are essentially playing with fire, and he cautioned that this could lead to a global conflict. Emmanuel Macron, the French President, stated at a joint press conference with Olaf Scholz, the German Chancellor, held in Meseberg, Germany, 'We support Ukraine and do not seek to escalate tensions. This policy has not changed.' He added, 'We believe they [Ukraine] should be allowed to disable military bases [in Russia] from where their missiles are launched and military bases that target Ukraine. However, we do not allow them to target other locations in Russia, civilians, or other Russian military bases.' Scholz also agreed with Macron, stating that Ukraine is allowed to defend itself as long as it adheres to international laws and the conditions set by countries that have provided it with military weapons, including the United States. He remarked, 'Ukraine can do anything that international law allows. This must be stated clearly.' The German Chancellor added, 'I find it strange that some people argue that Ukraine should not be allowed to defend itself and take necessary actions in this regard.' As the deadliest war in Europe since World War II enters its third year, and as Western countries consider ways to prevent the advance of the Russian army in Ukraine, Putin repeatedly warns of the possibility of another world war, although Western countries deem this likelihood minimal. Jens Stoltenberg, NATO's Secretary-General, recently stated in an interview with The Economist that member countries of this military alliance should allow Ukraine to attack deep into Russian territory with Western weapons, a view supported by some NATO member countries in Europe, but opposed by the United States.