Delay of partners in providing long-range weapons supports Russia's offensive potential - Zelenskyy

According to Zelenskyy, the situation in the Donetsk region is currently difficult. This is influenced by Western partners' decisions regarding Ukraine's use of long-range weaponry.

"And the situation on the Donetsk front is such that any further delay by our partners in terms of long-range capabilities is becoming de facto, perhaps, the most effective support for Russia's offensive potential," Zelenskyy stated.

According to the General Staff, the enemy has concentrated attacks in the Pokrovsk direction and is also trying to advance near Toretsk and Lyman in the Donetsk region. Starting tomorrow, August 20, the compulsory evacuation of children from Pokrovsk, accompanied by their parents, guardians, and other legal representatives, will begin.

What preceded

Ukraine has been trying for several months to obtain permission from Western partners to use long-range weapons to strike within the territory of Russia.

A month ago, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy once again called on the West to allow Ukraine to carry out strikes deep into Russian territory with the weapons provided. This was particularly aimed at attacking airfields from which Russia launches attacks on Ukraine.

Despite this, the United States continues to refuse to permit Ukraine to strike Russian territory with its long-range weapons. Chancellor Olaf Scholz of Germany also rejected Ukraine's request for long-range strikes. However, later, German Ministry of Defense spokesperson Arno Kollatz stated that weapons provided by Germany automatically become the property of Ukraine and may be used as Ukrainian forces see fit and appropriate.

On the other hand, the UK stated that it would not assist Ukraine in targeting sites within Russian territory but might permit the use of provided weapons for such attacks.