Canada supports permission for Ukraine to fire long-range capabilities into Russia – defense chief

Canadian Defense Minister Bill Blair said this in Ottawa, according to an Ukrinform correspondent.

“Canada supports the permission the United States has granted to Ukraine” for the use of long-range capabilities, Blair td journalists.

He believes that this step will contribute to a faster end to the war.

Read also: U.S. permission for Ukraine to use ATACMS could be turning point in war – Duda

"We believe everything that supports Ukraine’s efforts to defend themselves against Russia's illegal invasion of their sovereign country. Everything we are able to do to help Ukraine defend itself against that illegal invasion will bring us closer to peace," Blair answered when asked about the risk of war escalation after Ukraine acquires new combat capabilities.

He reminded that Canada did not impose any "geographical" restrictions on Ukraine regarding the use of weapons provided by it in the war and has long been urging other partner states to remove any restrictions.

Read also: Ukraine may target Crimea bridge if U.S. extends ATACMS permission – expert

As Ukrinform reported with reference to The New York Times, U.S. President Joe Biden for the first time authorized Ukraine to use long-range ATACMS missiles for strikes inside Russia.