Ukraine eyes deeper strikes if West lifts missile curbs
Ukraine may attack 261 military targets if partners lift restrictions on strikes deep into the Russian Federation, reports "Der Spiegel". The list is said to mainly include targets whose destruction would weaken military logistics.
4 October 2024 07:34
According to the publication, the list includes large weapon depots, air bases, and Russian army training grounds. Strikes on these sites would complicate Russian military logistics.
Ukraine wants to use long-range weapons
For several months, Ukraine has been increasingly bold in attacking military targets deep inside Russia. Drones are mainly used for this purpose, but the authorities of the war-torn country are seeking Western approval for the use of long-range weapons.
Zelensky has repeatedly appealed to the Americans for permission to widen the use of Western weapons in the war with Russia. In response to allies' fears of a nuclear war escalation, Zelensky stated that the United States "should have more faith in Ukraine".
"Without the help of the United States, Ukraine will not be able to win the war with Russia; we expect Washington to allow us to use American weapons for attacks on targets deep within Russia," said Volodymyr Zelensky at the beginning of September.
Do they not believe in the effectiveness of the attacks?
Allies, mainly the United States, seem not only to fear possible escalation but also to be unconvinced about the effectiveness of such actions. The US Secretary of Defence, Lloyd Austin, stated at the beginning of September that the Russians have moved guided aerial bombs out of the range of ATACMS systems.
There is also uncertainty about whether the equipment possessed by Ukraine would be sufficient to destroy Russian bases.
The United Kingdom and France also support the unrestricted use of long-range missiles, having provided Ukraine with Storm Shadow missiles capable of flying approximately 250 kilometres. However, they have not convinced Joe Biden, whose voice is decisive.
Kremlin threatens the West
"Russia will be ready to use the most powerful and destructive weapons in the case of attacks with Western long-range weapons on the territory of the Russian Federation," warned State Duma Chairman Vyacheslav Volodin.
"By reaching out to the United States, Germany, France, and England for supplies of long-range weapons, missiles, and other equipment, and discussing the issue of conducting attacks on Russian territory with them, Zelensky makes these countries direct participants in the armed conflict in Ukraine," he added.
Source: "Der Spiegel", WP News
