Tri-Service
Former NATO Chief: "The West Should Consider Arming Ukraine"
NATO allies should be prepared to arm Ukraine's military if Russia continues to destabilise its western neighbour, says Anders Fogh Rasmussen, the man who once headed the world's most powerful military alliance.
“If Russia continues to destabilize the situation in eastern Ukraine, I think NATO allies should consider positively the delivery of defensive weapons,"
Mr. Rasmussen continued:
"Sometimes an offensive action is the best defence."
The former NATO Secretary General was then asked by the BBC's Today programme whether he considered the possibility of arming Ukraine against the Russians might be seen as inflammatory by the Russians. He replied:
No I can't because they attacked Ukraine, they occupied Crimea, they annexed Crimea illegally into the Russian federation - and none of these actions were justified.
Western nations have been divided over the question of arming Ukraine's military. Some leaders fear it would further escalate the conflict; others contend robust action would deter Russia from further encroachments into Ukrainian territory.
A former NATO Deputy Supreme Allied Commander, meanwhile, has told Forces TV that arming Ukraine would be a mistake - see the above report for more.
More from Forces TV: Why NATO's Military Might Is Focused On Estonia
A Pro-Russian rebel of the self-proclaimed Donetsk People's Republic.
Related topics
Join Our Newsletter
