German FM Baerbock advocates for strikes on Russian sites with ATACMS missiles Despite Scholz opposition

Germany's Foreign Minister, Annalena Baerbock, of the Green Party, has expressed her support for the decision by US President Joe Biden to allow the use of ATACMS missiles for strikes on Russian territory.

Despite the opposition from Chancellor Olaf Scholz, Baerbock welcomed the move, Caliber.Az reports via German media.

“It has long been known that I, along with [Minister for Economic Affairs and Climate Protection] Robert Habeck, and my party share the same position on this as our Eastern European partners, as well as the British, the French, and the Americans,” Baerbock stated.

She further emphasized that this decision was in line with international law, noting that the use of ATACMS missiles could target and destroy Russian missile launch sites.

However, Baerbock also urged caution, stressing the importance of “weighing each step” and continuing dialogue. "Diplomacy thrives on the fact that we speak to each other, even in the most difficult times," she added.

Chancellor Scholz had previously made it clear that he was opposed to granting Ukraine the right to use Western weaponry to strike deep within Russian territory.

Notably, US President Joe Biden has authorised Ukraine to deploy long-range missiles provided by the United States in strikes against Russian targets.

This decision marks a significant shift in Washington's policy, which had previously withheld approval for Kyiv to use the ATACMS missiles beyond its own borders, despite repeated requests from Ukraine.

Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy responded to the news on November 17, noting that "such things are not announced, missiles speak for themselves." The information about the US decision came through briefings from American officials.

Russian President Vladimir Putin had earlier warned Western nations against allowing such actions, suggesting it would constitute "direct participation" by NATO in the conflict. Though he has not yet commented on the latest development, other senior figures within the Kremlin have described it as a serious escalation.

The Biden administration has framed the decision as being specific to the defence of Ukrainian positions within Russia’s Kursk region, where Ukraine launched an unexpected incursion in August. In practical terms, this move signals Washington’s intention to support Ukraine’s efforts to maintain control of the small area of Russian territory it currently holds, potentially as leverage for any future negotiations.

By Aghakazim Guliyev