missile capabilities

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has issued a direct appeal to the United States, the United Kingdom, France, and Germany, requesting permission for Ukraine to carry out long-range strikes on Russian territory using Western weaponry. The appeal also includes a request for the delivery of long-range missiles and ammunition to bolster Ukraine’s defence capabilities.

In his Saturday evening address, Zelensky underscored the urgent necessity of these military assets, stating, “In recent days, our Ukrainian delegation has been working in Washington: the First Deputy Prime Minister, the Minister of Defence, representatives of the General Staff, and the head of the Presidential Office. Meetings were held at various levels, and among the first issues for us was the long-range capability for our Defence Forces. It is crucial to prevent the terror that our cities, including Kharkiv and many other communities across Ukraine, are forced to endure.”

The Ukrainian president argued that securing Ukrainian airspace from Russian-guided bombs is a pivotal step towards forcing Russia to seek an end to the conflict and establishing a just peace. He noted,

“Ukrainian representatives provided all necessary information, all necessary details to our partners. And I appeal to the United States, the United Kingdom, France, and Germany: we need the capability to fully and effectively protect Ukraine and Ukrainians. We need both the permissions for long-range strikes and your long-range missiles and shells. Vital decisions cannot be postponed – the right actions can most effectively influence the course of events.”

Zelensky stressed that the only reliable way to halt Russian aggression is through targeted strikes on Russian military airfields, bases, and logistical hubs supporting Russian terror.

“Russian terror can be reliably stopped in only one way: by striking Russian military airfields, their bases, and the logistics supporting Russian terror,” he stated.

The Ukrainian president also highlighted ongoing discussions with international partners regarding the supply of air defence systems, particularly in light of the upcoming school year. “We have agreements regarding air defence systems and missiles for these systems. It is important to implement everything as quickly as possible. We are working even more actively these days to secure additional air defence systems,” Zelensky remarked.

This appeal from Zelensky comes amid continued Russian airstrikes on Ukrainian cities and infrastructure, which have resulted in significant civilian casualties and widespread destruction. The Ukrainian government has been seeking more advanced weaponry from its Western allies to counter these threats and to take the initiative in defending its territory.