Ukrainian officials press the U.S. for weapons to strike Russian targets

Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov and President Volodymyr Zelensky's Chief of Staff, Andriy Yermak, met with Pentagon Chief Lloyd Austin on Friday. They were expected to present a list of military targets in Russia to obtain approval for attacking them using American weapons.

Umerov said that the Ukrainian delegation arrived in Washington to conduct "detailed discussions about the situation on the frontline, including our vision, objectives and plans" and to discuss the military's key needs and the production of military equipment in Ukraine.

According to previously announced information, Umerov and Yermak, along with Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy Yulia Svyrydenko, were expected to present the Americans with a list of military targets in Russia that Ukrainians wish to attack using American missiles. Ukraine has been trying for a long time to ease restrictions on this issue.

President Joe Biden's administration has agreed to use the transferred weapons in border regions but still prohibits the use of ATACMS missiles and other long-range munitions to attack targets deep inside Russia. U.S. administration officials emphasize that they are "constantly discussing" this topic but indicate that such a move would not significantly improve Ukraine's situation. However, a significant group of congressmen from both parties advocates for a policy change.

Ukrainian parliamentarian Oleksandra Ustinova, who recently lobbied in the United States for lifting these restrictions, told the Polish Press Agency that changing the U.S. administration's stance is possible, although it often occurs too slowly. An example is the delays in delivering ATACMS missiles.

Ukrainian representatives are also pressing for the accelerated delivery of the promised Western weapons, including air defence systems. As Yermak emphasized, this was one of the main topics of discussion at the Pentagon.

"Russia has launched more than 400 strikes in the past week. We emphasized the importance of quickly receiving weapons and training our soldiers," the presidential adviser wrote on the X platform.

Representatives of the Ukrainian authorities also met with Assistant Secretary of State for European Affairs James O'Brien. A meeting with US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan is also possible.