Kyiv: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has renewed his appeal for the US and UK to authorize the use of long-range missiles deep inside Russia, urging both nations to make “strong decisions”. His remarks came shortly after US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and British Foreign Minister David Lammy arrived in Kyiv on Wednesday.
According to The Guardian, citing the PA news agency, Zelenskyy expressed optimism ahead of his talks with Blinken and Lammy but noted that the final decision would depend on their willingness to act decisively.
“I will have a little bit later a talk with him (Blinken) and minister of foreign affairs for the UK. I don’t know all the details of our conversation. I will be ready to be open and honest after these consultations,” Zelenskyy was quoted as saying.
“If I am optimistic about their decision to give us permission to use long distance, it is a pity it doesn’t depend on my optimism. It depends on their optimism. Let’s count on some strong decisions on this,” he added.
Zelenskyy further emphasized the significance of long-range missiles in Ukraine’s fight against Russia and highlighted an upcoming dialogue with US President Joe Biden, expressing hope for progress. “For us, it is very important for today. Anyway, I will tell you after the meeting and anyway I am counting on my dialogue with President (Joe) Biden this month,” he said.
During his speech at Kyiv’s annual Crimean Platform event, Zelenskyy also outlined a “victory plan” he intends to present to Biden later this month. He stressed that the plan would fortify Kyiv and create a “psychological” impact that could drive Russia toward a diplomatic resolution.
“It is important for Ukraine to present the plan to its allies before a second international summit on peace,” Zelenskyy stated, referring to a gathering he hopes to convene later this year. “If partners support it (the plan), it will make it easier for Ukraine to force Russia to end the war,” he added, as reported by Reuters.
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“What is this plan for? It is a serious strengthening of Ukraine and, in my opinion, it will have both psychological and political… influence on Russia’s decision to end this war,” the Ukrainian president emphasized.
Meanwhile, Blinken expressed his intention to hear directly from Zelenskyy and other Ukrainian officials about Kyiv’s strategic goals and how the US could assist in achieving them. Western sources indicate that Blinken and Lammy are expected to seek further clarity on Ukraine’s long-term objectives as they deliberate whether to approve the use of US ATACMS and British Storm Shadows to strike targets deep inside Russia.
However, there is caution in both Washington and some European capitals, as officials are wary of escalating tensions with Russia, potentially leading to a direct confrontation with the West. At the same time, there is acknowledgment that Ukraine requires additional support to turn the tide of the war in its favor.
