NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte affirmed Ukraine’s right to strike military targets within Russia, dismissing concerns about hindering potential peace negotiations. Rutte emphasized that Russia initiated the conflict and therefore cannot dictate the terms of Ukraine’s self-defense. He indicated that restricting Ukraine’s ability to defend itself would be inappropriate given Russia’s ongoing aggression. This statement signals a shift in rhetoric, offering stronger support for Ukraine’s strategic decisions. Rutte’s comments align with increasing calls from Kyiv for Western allies to allow the use of provided weaponry to target Russian territory. The Secretary General did not elaborate on specific conditions or limitations regarding these strikes, focusing instead on the fundamental right to self-defense. This position challenges previous hesitations among some allies regarding escalation risks.