Czech General Staff advocates for Ukraine's use of Western weapons against Russia

He said this on Czech television, Ukrinform reports.

"These restrictions need to be cancelled because it is legal and legitimate for Ukrainians to defend themselves, even when attacking Russian territory, because they cannot box with one hand tied behind their backs... Planes take off from Russian airfields that are within range of existing weapons, but Ukrainians cannot use them. And these planes then bomb civilian infrastructure, not just soldiers. Therefore, it would be quite normal for Ukrainians to attack Russian territory as well," Rzegka said.

He stressed that Russia constantly threatens escalation, but does not hesitate to use missiles against Ukrainian civilian cities.

"The fact that the Russians often do not go beyond threats was demonstrated by the Ukrainian operation in the Kursk region of Russia. It has shown some Western leaders that they should not be afraid of escalation and ‘red lines’,’ General Řehka said, adding that “this unexpected action has also attracted the attention of Western allies."

According to him, this in itself was the result of the actions of the Ukrainian Armed Forces in Kursk region, even if the alleged goal of easing pressure in Donbas was not realised.

The general also reiterated the need to prepare for a possible conflict with Russia, as this is the only way to deter the aggressor.

• Pentagon chief Lloyd Austin said that the United States does not authorise Ukraine to strike military targets deep inside Russia, as this would not mean a ‘turning point’.