Ukraine’s Foreign Ministry on strikes on Russia: Talks ongoing, decision needs time
Photo: Heorhii Tykhyi, spokesman for the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry (Vitalii Nosach, RBC-Ukraine)
Under international law, Ukraine has the right to strike legitimate targets in Russia. Negotiations with partners on authorization for the Ukrainian Armed Forces are ongoing, but it will take time, stated the spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine, Heorhii Tykhyi.
According to him, the issue of granting permission to the Ukrainian Armed Forces is crucial for the new Foreign Minister, Andrii Sybiha.
"His position is principled—Ukraine has the right under international law to strike legitimate targets on Russian territory... We understand that this decision by our partners requires time; they have doubts and hesitations. But Ukraine is actively addressing these concerns and explaining that such permission would not escalate the situation," Tykhyi explained.
He also noted that he is aware of the upcoming visit by US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and British Foreign Secretary David Lammy.
"We will be glad to welcome them in Kyiv and discuss a range of issues. As for specific topics, I won't get ahead of things. Let's wait for the talks to take place. We are getting closer to this decision all the time. But in diplomacy, there is a principle: nothing is agreed until everything is agreed. Work is ongoing, and when it's finalized, everyone will know," Tykhyi said.
Background
The UK, France, and the US supply Ukraine with long-range missiles on the condition that they not be used to strike Russian territory. President Zelenskyy has called for lifting these restrictions on strikes on Russian airfields, but Western partners have so far refrained from making such a decision. This complicates Ukraine's ability to destroy carriers of guided bombs that attack civilian targets.
John Kirby stated that the US continues to hold private discussions with Ukraine on this issue. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin added that Russia has already moved its tactical aviation beyond the reach of ATACMS missiles.
Today, it was announced that US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and British Foreign Secretary David Lammy will make a joint visit to Ukraine.
Meanwhile, Blinken mentioned that US President Joe Biden will meet with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer on Friday, September 13. One of the topics of their meeting will be the permission for the Ukrainian Armed Forces to conduct deep strikes into Russia.
