Poland visit by Blinken focuses on Ukraine's missile use rights
The issue of granting Ukraine permission to use long-range missiles to strike targets in Russia is one of the main topics being discussed during the U.S. Secretary of State's visit to Poland. Antony Blinken will address the issue, among others, during meetings with the President and the Prime Minister.
The United States has officially not ruled out giving Kyiv the green light to use long-range weapons to strike within Russia. "President Joe Biden is 'not ruling out' allowing Ukraine to fire missiles deep into Russian territory," admitted U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken in an interview with Sky News at the beginning of the week. This was the American diplomat's response to reports that Iran had supplied Moscow with short-range weapons.
According to WP information, the issue of using long-range weapons by Ukraine will also come up during discussions in Poland. Government sources admit that after Blinken's visit to Ukraine, consultations are ongoing with other allies, including British Foreign Secretary David Lammy. "The position of the Polish government on this matter will be communicated by the Prime Minister," two government sources admitted.
On Friday, U.S. President Joe Biden will meet with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer to discuss allowing Ukrainian armed forces to carry out attacks on Russian territory. He stated that allies expect the meeting could expedite the decision-making process.
Zelensky appeals for US consent
Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky emphasized during the visit of the U.S. and British foreign ministers that Ukraine must obtain permission as soon as possible to use long-range weapons supplied by the United States and other partners. Kyiv has been appealing to Washington for months to allow attacking Russian targets deep within Russia.
Antony Blinken landed in Warsaw around 5 AM Eastern Time. Meetings are planned with the President, Prime Minister, Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski, and the Ministry of National Defence representatives, who will also participate in the talks. Security issues and energy matters will be discussed, including constructing a nuclear power plant in Poland.
"This visit confirms the close and enduring partnership between the United States and Poland and highlights our shared commitment to supporting Ukraine in defending against unprovoked Russian aggression. The Secretary's visit demonstrates the crucial role of our alliance and the importance of continued cooperation in addressing global challenges," the U.S. embassy wrote on X.
During his visit to Kyiv, Antony Blinken noted that the concern about escalating the war as a result of attacks deep within Russian territory using U.S.-supplied missiles is one of the factors the United States is considering when deciding on lifting the ban on such attacks. However, it is not intended to be the only or decisive factor.
