WASHINGTON, D.C. – Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is asking the U.S. and other partners to lift restrictions on using long-range missiles. Ukraine has stated previously they want to be able to hit targets deep into Russia. The U.S. and other allies worry launching those weapons could further escalate the war.
In early August, Ukraine launched a surprise incursion into the Kursk region of Russia. It’s just over Ukraine’s eastern borders. Ever since, Ukrainian forces have held their ground.
In a video briefing posted on social media, Zelenskyy said hey continue to expand the territory under their control but did not provide further details about the offensive. Other reporting states Russia’s President Vladimir Putin is downplaying the Ukrainian incursion.
Russia continues to attack Ukrainian cities. A recent attack in the central Ukrainian city of Kryvyi Rih which killed five and left many more injured after a missile hit a hotel.
In Zelenskyy’s video briefing, he urges for Ukraine’s partners to lift restrictions on long-range strikes for Ukraine. Zelenskyy said “it would help us bring this war to an end for Ukraine and the world as a whole”.
The U.S. and other Western allies have provided long-range weapons to Ukraine but prohibit them from launching them deep into Russia. They’re concerned it would escalate the war. Ukraine recently said they have made their own long-range weapons, ones that they would not have to ask permission to use. Ukraine’s Defense Minister said the weapon would be used soon in response to the recent attacks on Ukraine.