US considers allowing Ukraine to strike Russian targets
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 US Secretary of State's visit to Poland. Antony Blinken will address the issue, among other things, during meetings with the President and the Prime Minister.
The United States officially does not rule 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," confirmed US Secretary of State Antony Blinken at the beginning of the week in an interview with Sky News. This was the reaction of the head of US diplomacy to reports that Iran supplied Moscow with short-range weapons.
The topic of Ukraine using long-range weapons will also come up during talks in Poland. Government sources admit that after Blinken's visit to Ukraine and British Foreign Secretary David Lammy, consultations with other allies are ongoing. Two government officials stated that the Prime Minister will communicate the Polish government's position on this matter.
On Friday, US President Joe Biden will meet with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer to discuss granting permission for Ukrainian armed forces to conduct attacks on Russian territory. – Allies expect that the meeting could accelerate the decision-making process.
Zelensky appeals for US approval
During the visit of the heads of the US and UK Foreign Ministries, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky emphasized that Ukraine must obtain permission as soon as possible to use the long-range weapons provided by the United States and other partners. Kyiv has been appealing to Washington for months for consent to strike Russian targets deep inside Russia.
Antony Blinken landed in Warsaw shortly after 3 a.m. Eastern Time. Meetings are planned with the President, Prime Minister, Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski, and the Ministry of National Defence representatives will also participate in the talks. Topics of discussion will include security issues and energy, including constructing a nuclear power plant in Poland.
"This visit confirms the close and lasting partnership between the United States and Poland and underscores our shared commitment to supporting Ukraine in defending against unprovoked Russian aggression. The Secretary's visit highlights the crucial role of our alliance and the importance of continued cooperation in addressing global challenges," wrote the US embassy on the X portal.
During the visit to Kyiv, Antony Blinken noted that the concern over escalating the war as a result of attacks deep inside Russian territory using US-supplied missiles is one of the factors the United States considers when deciding whether to lift the ban on such attacks. At the same time, it is neither the only nor the decisive factor.
