UK Defense Secretary Reiterates That Attacks on Russian Logistics Facilities Are Lawful Acts

In Kherson, southern Ukraine, residents held a protest on the 27th (local time) condemning the Russian military invasion, holding national flags and placards. Russia, which occupied Kherson at the beginning of the invasion, is reportedly pushing for a referendum to forcibly annex the region.

Ben Wallace, the UK Secretary of State for Defence, reiterated that Ukraine's attacks on Russian logistical facilities are lawful under international law. However, he said it is unlikely that weapons provided by the UK are being used in these attacks.

In interviews with British media such as the BBC and Sky News on the 28th (local time), Secretary Wallace stated that it is legal for Ukrainian forces to target logistics to disrupt the supply of food, fuel, and ammunition to Russian troops.

However, Wallace said it is unclear whether recent attacks inside Russia were carried out by Ukraine, and that the British weapons in Ukraine cannot be used for such operations. He explained that while weapons have been sent to be used against Russian forces within Ukraine, long-range strike weapons have not been supplied.

Nonetheless, Wallace said, "If Russian attacks continue, we will expand support for Ukraine and may send aircraft and tanks."

He noted that based on recent statements by Russian President Vladimir Putin, it seems he is desperately trying to expand occupied Ukrainian territories, using threats or deception tactics. However, Wallace predicted that Putin will fail to achieve his goals and will instead try to fortify the territories already secured, like during the 2014 annexation of Crimea.

Wallace agreed with the view that Russia must be completely expelled from Ukraine.

Regarding the previous day's statement by Secretary Truss that all of Ukraine must be liberated, including the return of Crimea, Wallace said this aligns with the West's longstanding position.

However, when asked whether the UK would provide military support for an offensive to retake Crimea, he responded that there is still a long way to go before that, and for now, the priority is to push Russia out of the areas it currently occupies.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.