Zelenskiy Urges US to Allow Deeper Strikes into Russia, Seeks Advanced Weapons

In a recent address, Volodymyr Zelenskiy, the President of Ukraine, intensified his appeal to the United States for permission to conduct long-range strikes into Russian territory. This request comes as part of Ukraine's ongoing efforts to bolster its defensive capabilities against Russian aggression.

On August 29, 2024, a Ukrainian delegation, including Defense Minister Rustem Umerov and Economy Minister Yulia Svyrydenko, met with senior US officials in Washington. The discussions centered on Ukraine's military needs and economic support, particularly in the energy sector.

Zelenskiy emphasized the importance of clearing Ukrainian skies of Russian guided aerial bombs, stating that such action could compel Russia to seek an end to the conflict and a just peace. Guided aerial bombs are precision-guided munitions that can be steered to their targets, making them particularly dangerous to civilian infrastructure.

"We need the capabilities to truly and fully protect Ukraine and Ukrainians. We need both the permissions for long-range capabilities and your long-range shells and missiles."

The Ukrainian leader directed his appeal not only to the United States but also to Britain, France, and Germany. Long-range missiles, which can have ranges exceeding 1,000 kilometers, could potentially allow Ukraine to strike deeper into Russian territory, potentially affecting the strategic balance of the conflict.

In an interview with CNN, Rustem Umerov revealed that Kyiv had demonstrated to its partners that Russian airfields used to launch attacks on Ukrainian cities were within range of potential deep strikes. This information underscores Ukraine's capability to retaliate against Russian aggression if given the necessary permissions and equipment.

The discussions in Washington also touched upon Ukraine's energy sector. Yulia Svyrydenko reported on X (formerly Twitter) about the steps needed to restore Ukraine's energy system, which has been severely impacted by Russian air strikes. An $800 million energy sector financing package, announced in June 2024, is expected to play a significant role in this restoration effort.

Looking ahead, Volodymyr Zelenskiy is scheduled to visit the United States in September 2024. During this visit, he plans to present a victory plan to President Biden in the Oval Office and attend the United Nations General Assembly meetings in New York. The UN General Assembly typically convenes in September each year, providing a global platform for world leaders to address international issues.

The urgency of Ukraine's requests is underscored by the recent intensification of Russian attacks. In the week leading up to August 31, 2024, Russia launched over 400 missiles and drones against Ukrainian targets, significantly affecting the country's power infrastructure.

As the conflict continues, the international community watches closely to see how the United States and its allies will respond to Ukraine's appeals for advanced weaponry and expanded operational permissions. The outcome of these discussions could have far-reaching implications for the future of the conflict and the broader geopolitical landscape in Eastern Europe.