Ukraine’s foreign minister outlined Kyiv’s push for Western authorization to deploy long-range missiles for strikes deep inside Russian territory, signaling a clear intent to extend Ukraine’s military reach under international support. He stressed that while Kyiv seeks approval to target legitimate military objectives, the move would be coordinated with allies and aligned with the aims of preventing further Russian advances. The remarks were reported as the EU and its partners prepared for a high-level discussion in Brussels, highlighting an ongoing call for a unified position on the use of extended-range capabilities. (European Pravda)
According to the foreign minister, the United States, the United Kingdom, and the European Union have acted in concert from the outset of the conflict. He urged the European Union to articulate a definitive stance that allows Ukraine to employ long-range offensive weapons on Russian soil and to prevent a renewed Russian push into areas controlled by the Donetsk and Luhansk authorities. He suggested that achieving this alignment would contribute to slowing or halting Moscow’s military operations in the region. (European Pravda)
The foreign minister reiterated that Ukraine would target only legitimate military facilities in Russia, specifically naming Russian airbases as the prospective targets in a broader framework intended to deter aggression while avoiding civilian harm. The emphasis was on precision and legality, ensuring that any escalation remains focused on military assets rather than non-combatant sites. (European Pravda)
He warned that while public statements may appear conciliatory toward long-range strikes, concrete actions are necessary to change the dynamics on the battlefield. Time, he argued, is critical because delay could cost lives on both sides, including civilians. He called on the United States and the United Kingdom to seize the moment and provide clear guidance to prevent missed opportunities that could come at a steep human price. (European Pravda)
In parallel, a spokesperson for Moscow’s foreign ministry indicated that Washington was prepared to grant Kyiv broad latitude to use Western weapons against Russian targets, a position that underscores the escalating sensitivities and the high-stakes debates occurring among supporters and opponents of expanded strikes. (Reuters and other corroborating outlets cited) Zelensky’s administration has faced warnings and threats related to Russia’s posture, adding to the urgency of clarifying international support as military planning advances. (Reuters)
Overall, the current discourse reflects a broader strategic contest in which Western allies weigh legal and ethical considerations against the practical aims of deterring Russian offensives and stabilizing the security landscape in eastern Europe. The discussions center on long-range strike capabilities, the scope of permissible targets, and the importance of maintaining international coalitions that can sustain Kyiv’s defense needs without triggering wider escalation. (European Pravda; Reuters)