Zelenskiy Urges the West for Long-Range Missiles to Deter Russian Aggression
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy made a poignant appeal on Friday for Western allies to allow Ukraine to deploy long-range missiles within Russian territory, citing a dire need for enhanced cooperation and resources to effectively counteract the ongoing Russian aggression. Speaking at a summit held at Ramstein airbase in Germany, Zelenskiy emphasized the critical need for systems like the Anglo-French Storm Shadow/Scalp cruise missiles and US Atacms ballistic missiles to exert pressure on Moscow and initiate peace talks.
As Ukraine braces for a challenging winter in the conflict that stretches into its third year, Zelenskiy's remarks reflect a growing frustration in Kyiv regarding the diminishing levels of support from key allies, especially the United States, the United Kingdom, and France. During the summit, he noted, "We need to have this long-range capability not only on the occupied territory of Ukraine but also on Russian territory so that Russia is motivated to seek peace."
The Ukrainian President's call to action comes in the wake of increasing concerns that Ukrainian capabilities to strike back are being severely hampered. He expressed concern about evolving policies that restrict the use of long-range missile systems. According to Zelenskiy, recent statements indicate a change in the usage of Atacms and Storm Shadows, which he perceives as a detrimental limitation that could impact Ukraine's military campaigns in both occupied regions and further into Russian territory.
From the perspective of Kyiv, the situation appears uneven. Ukraine faces intense bombardments from Russian missiles that can target critical civilian and military installations across the nation, while Western support mechanisms restrict its ability to respond similarly. Citing a recent attack on the Ukrainian city of Poltava, where a missile strike killed over 50 individuals, Zelenskiy underscored the urgent need for a robust retaliatory capability.
In an attempt to reset the dynamics of the conflict, Zelenskiy previously called for a demonstration strike near Moscow to illustrate Ukraine's capacity and possibly coerce the Kremlin into negotiating peace. However, many Western nations remain hesitant, with concerns that such actions could escalate the conflict and provoke a wider war.
During the summit, US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin acknowledged the urgency of Zelenskiy’s requests and reiterated the commitment of the United States to continue supporting Ukraine's military needs. Following Zelenskiy's address, Austin revealed plans for a new $250 million military aid package to bolster Ukraine's defense systems, including ongoing discussions about supplying JASSM (Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missile) systems that could extend their strike capabilities.
The response from the UK Ministry of Defence corroborated this narrative, insisting that the provisions supplied to Ukraine are strictly for its defense, stating, "We are clear that equipment provided by the UK is intended for the defense of Ukraine."
As the Ramstein summit progressed to private discussions, the tangible difficulties that Ukraine faces on the battlefield were evident. The Russian military continues its advance toward strategic areas like Pokrovsk in the Donbas region, further complicating Ukraine's efforts to regain control over its territory.
In this context, Zelenskiy's impassioned plea for long-range missile capabilities echoes the sentiment that unless the West steps up its military support, not only could the conflict reach new heights of devastation, but it may also embolden Russia's unwavering pursuit of expansionist objectives. With the looming threat of intensified assaults, the call for a stronger, united front against the common adversary remains as pressing as ever.
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