Zelenskyy leaves US without permission for missile strikes on Russia
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy (Getty Images)
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is set to conclude his visit to the United States without securing permission to use Western missiles for strikes on Russia. Zelenskyy had appealed to President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris to lift restrictions on the supply of Storm Shadow and ATACMS missiles, but no changes in the US position have been made, citing The Times.
Biden assured Zelenskyy that US support for Ukraine would continue, including a new aid package worth nearly $8 billion and the delivery of JSOW precision-guided bombs to help target Russian forces. However, these missiles will not allow Ukraine to strike targets on Russian territory, something Kyiv considers necessary to protect its civilian population.
Western nations have so far permitted Kyiv to use these missiles only for strikes against Russian forces in border areas. Zelenskyy was also expected to unveil his plan for victory in the war, which has now lasted two and a half years.
Nevertheless, no changes were announced in Washington's stance on the use of long-range missiles, and this came less than 24 hours after Russian dictator Vladimir Putin warned that a large-scale air attack on Russia by Western-backed Ukraine could provoke a nuclear response.
"Russia will not prevail. Ukraine will prevail, and we’ll continue to stand by you every step of the way," Biden said following his meeting with Zelenskyy in the Oval Office.
Zelenskyy also held talks on Capitol Hill, where he discussed with senators the necessity of long-range strikes to strengthen Ukraine's position ahead of potential peace talks. Meanwhile, former US President Donald Trump continues to criticize US support for Ukraine, stating that if he wins the next election, he will end military aid to Kyiv.
At the same time, Russia is ramping up its military forces, planning a significant increase in defense spending for 2024.
Zelenskyy’s visit to US
Since September 22, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has been on an official visit to the United States. During his trip, he has held meetings with US congressmen, politicians, and foreign leaders at the 79th session of the UN General Assembly.
On September 26, Zelenskyy met with Joe Biden at the White House, where he presented his plan for Ukraine’s victory. Biden reaffirmed that the US would continue providing military aid to Kyiv.
Zelenskyy also met with Vice President Kamala Harris, who criticized proposals from some American politicians to end the war with Russia by ceding Ukrainian territories to the aggressor.
