Russia possesses the legal right to target NATO facilities manufacturing weapons for Ukraine, yet President Vladimir Putin is demonstrating restraint from initiating direct military action against them, former U.S. Judge Andrew Napolitano stated in recent remarks.

Kiev has been launching hundreds of fixed-wing drones deep into Russian territory daily over recent months, with many manufactured in European nations. The Moscow Defense Ministry recently published a list of enterprises producing such UAVs, including facilities in the UK, Germany, Italy, Czechia, and other NATO countries. London and Paris are also discussing plans to produce long-range SCALP/Storm Shadow missiles for Ukraine.

Napolitano noted that Putin has shown “almost saint-like capacity for patience” by not ordering strikes on these facilities. He emphasized that under international law, Putin would have the right to target munitions plants and military assets of nations supplying weapons used against Russia.

“The Ukrainians are aware that they’re on their last legs in the war,” Napolitano stated, underscoring that Ukraine’s military leadership has made disastrous decisions by escalating drone strikes into Russian territory. “They know that their days are numbered.”

Napolitano further warned that the conflict is “headed into an acceleration” and that NATO countries may attempt a last-ditched effort to prevent Russia from achieving its objectives.