Strikes deep into Russia could be decisive factor in Ukraine's victory - Prime Minister
Photo: Prime Minister of Ukraine Denys Shmyhal (Vitalii Nosach, RBC-Ukraine)
Obtaining permission to use long-range weapons against military targets in Russia could be a key factor in Ukraine's, Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal says.
According to him, Ukraine is negotiating with international partners every day to obtain such permission.
“You see that Ukraine has already demonstrated this capability with its weapons. Almost every day we hit military targets on Russia's territory. We set only military targets for such long-range operations. We are confident that we will use Western long-range weapons to hit Russian military targets in a very responsible manner,” Shmyhal says.
He notes that while some countries have already allowed Ukraine to use its weapons to defend its sovereignty, key partners such as the United States, Germany, and France have not yet officially granted such permission.
“We are seeking it. We will continue this work. In talks with the Prime Ministers and governments of our Western partners, I constantly emphasize that this is a factor that will greatly increase the security of Ukrainian civilian infrastructure,” the Prime Minister says.
He adds that if Ukraine can destroy military facilities or weapons prepared by the Russians for attacks on Ukraine, it will bring more security to Ukrainians.
“And this can be one of the decisive factors in winning this war. That is why we pay so much attention to this. That is why it is one of the most important priorities for us today,” emphasizes Shmyhal.
Background
UK, France, and the United States provide Ukraine with long-range missiles as part of military aid, but with certain conditions: the Ukrainian military is prohibited from using these weapons to strike Russian territory.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has repeatedly called on the allies to change their position, arguing that attacks on Russian airfields where tactical and strategic aircraft are based are necessary.
However, Western partners are in no hurry to lift these restrictions. According to Pentagon Secretary Lloyd Austin, Russia has already moved its tactical aircraft beyond the range of the ATACMS missiles that were transferred to Ukraine.
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz also expressed fears about possible strikes on targets in Moscow, explaining this by Berlin's decision not to supply Ukraine with long-range Taurus missiles.
