“International law permits these strikes,” German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius said, but added that the decision to allow Ukraine to use long-range weapons lies with its Western partners. Pistorius also dismissed Russian dictator Vladimir Putin’s claims that such strikes would escalate the war and involve Western nations, saying, “Putin’s threats are just that — his threats. He makes them when it suits him.” The use of Western weapons for attacks on the territory of RussiaOn Aug. 16, The Times reported that the U.S. is effectively blocking Ukraine from using Storm Shadow missiles to strike…