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No change in Italy’s policy on only allowing Kiev to use its weapons in Ukraine — minister

"Our position regarding the use of weapons has not changed: they can only be used within Ukrainian territory," Antonio Tajani said

BRUSSELS, November 18. /TASS/. Rome has not changed its position on the use of Western-supplied weapons in Ukraine in the wake of a decision allegedly made by outgoing US President Joe Biden, Italian Foreign Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Antonio Tajani said.

"Our position regarding the use of weapons has not changed: they can only be used within Ukrainian territory," Tajani said on the sidelines of a peace conference attended by representatives from China, Russia, India and Brazil.

On November 17, The New York Times reported, citing sources, that Biden has allowed Ukraine to use ATACMS tactical ballistic missiles to strike against Russian territory. In turn, Le Figaro wrote that France and Great Britain have granted Kiev the same permission to use their SCALP and Storm Shadow missiles. Later, the French newspaper removed this claim from its website, without any explanation. France’s top diplomat Jean-Noel Barrot stated there was no change in Paris’ position regarding strikes inside Russia. The German cabinet said that the United States has informed Berlin about its authorization for Ukraine to deliver such strikes.

Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov recounted that Moscow’s stance on this issue was clearly outlined by Russian President Vladimir Putin in September. Meanwhile, the latest decision means a qualitatively new round of escalation of tensions, he said.

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Middle East conflict

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