PRAGUE — NATO’s top military official, Rob Bauer, stated that Ukraine should face no restrictions on the use of weapons supplied by Western nations, emphasizing the importance of operational flexibility in the ongoing conflict.

According to Namibia Press Agency, speaking after a NATO Military Committee meeting in Prague, Bauer argued that from a military standpoint, lifting any usage constraints on the weapons provided to Ukraine would be logical. He acknowledged, however, that the donor countries retain the right to impose specific limitations on individual weapon systems, highlighting a continuing political debate over the issue.

The Czech News Agency reported ongoing discussions at various levels regarding the conditions attached to the supplied weaponry. For instance, Italy has implemented restrictions, whereas other countries like the Czech Republic, Sweden, and the Netherlands have opted not to impose such conditions on their military aid.

The debate takes on added significance in light of recent comments from Russian President Vladimir Putin, who cautioned on Thursday that the provision of long-range weapons to Ukraine by Western nations could draw them directly into the conflict. Putin’s statement, carried by Russian media, indicated that such developments could compel Russia to take “appropriate decisions” in response to new threats.

Reports from Western media have further noted that Ukraine has been actively seeking more liberal terms for the use of supplied weapons, including requests for long-range missiles capable of reaching targets deep within Russian territory.