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Ukraine and long-range ballistic missiles

A dangerous escalation

Letters to the Editor. Illustration: Paul Scott
The Irish Times - Letters to the Editor.

Sir, – When European states, including Ireland, agreed to support Ukraine’s resistance to Russian invasion, we did so on the understanding that we were supporting a defensive resistance, fought on Ukrainian soil.

I am not aware that we ever agreed to support the recent Ukrainian invasion of the Russian province of Kursk. However, there has been no clear statement of disassociation.

Now there are reports that Nato and the US are considering a change in their rules of engagement, to allow Ukraine to use Nato-supplied ballistic missiles against targets within Russia. This is a dangerous gamble. Russia has plenty of ballistic missiles, including some which can carry tactical nuclear warheads.

Surely it is very unwise to give him a pretext by allowing Nato long-range weapons to be used against the Russian homeland.

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What is the Irish view? We are not members of Nato, but we can still have an opinion. Do we support this change? Do we support the invasion of Kursk? I would welcome a clear statement from the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs Micheál Martin. – Yours, etc,

CIAN Ó hEIGEARTAIGH,

DUBLIN 6.