Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has called on NATO leaders to permit missile strikes on Russian territories, raising concerns about the potential for a broader conflict.
For months, Ukrainian officials have been urging Western partners to supply advanced air defense systems, particularly the US-made Patriot missiles, to help Kyiv defend against relentless Russian air attacks. These assaults have targeted civilian areas, power infrastructure, and military sites. Speaking to the New York Times, Zelensky emphasized, "We have our own weapons and drones, which we use defensively. But we've consistently asked President Biden, as well as other world leaders, for the ability to use these weapons for defense."
Zelensky elaborated on Ukraine's dilemma: "How do we respond when they strike our cities? Their capability to strike from a distance is because their forces are positioned in villages near the Ukraine-Russia border. They strike from there, knowing we won't retaliate, using civilian populations as shields. Our partners don’t give us permission to strike back at military locations within Russia."
He pointed out that despite having systems like ATACMS, HIMARS, and missiles such as Storm Shadow and Scalp, Ukraine lacks the authorization to target Russian military sites. "To defend ourselves from constant strikes originating from Russian territory, we need the ability to hit the missiles or the aircraft launching them. This requires air defense systems and appropriate weaponry — and permission to use them."
Zelensky highlighted that Russian forces continue to concentrate on the eastern Donetsk province and the northeastern Kharkiv region, deploying destructive glide bombs on both military and civilian targets.
In a social media statement, Zelensky reiterated the urgent need for enhanced air defense systems to protect Ukrainian forces and communities. He confirmed that Ukrainian forces maintain control over contested areas, despite Russian claims of capturing several border villages.
Comments
Post a Comment