- Ukraine seeks to expand the use of US and UK-supplied long-range missiles.
- Blinken and Lammy visit Kyiv to assess Ukraine’s military needs.
- The Kremlin warns of retaliation if missile restrictions are lifted.
Ukraine has intensified its appeal to allies, particularly the US and UK, to remove limitations on using long-range missiles against Russian territory.
Currently, Kyiv is restricted to using these missiles, such as the UK’s Storm Shadow, within occupied Ukrainian regions. Ukrainian leaders argue that targeting deeper Russian airbases, which launch devastating glide bombs, is crucial for their defense.
Kyiv’s Push for Greater Long-Range Missile Capabilities Amid Escalating Conflict
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy met with President Zelensky in Kyiv to discuss Ukraine’s objectives and further support. While President Joe Biden’s administration is reviewing whether to ease missile restrictions, the Kremlin has threatened appropriate retaliation should Ukraine be allowed to strike Russian soil.
In their joint visit to Kyiv, Blinken and Lammy expressed support but did not immediately commit to changing missile usage policies. Their visit followed discussions in London, emphasizing the allies’ intent to listen directly to Ukrainian leaders about their pressing military needs. Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal thanked the UK for its continued support but stressed the importance of more long-range strike capabilities.
The US and UK have supplied some long-range missiles, but these come with restrictions aimed at preventing escalation. Western nations remain cautious, fearing that enabling strikes deep into Russian territory could provoke a direct conflict with NATO or spark a larger war. For now, Biden’s administration is carefully considering the next steps.
The visit also came amid accusations that Iran is supplying Russia with ballistic missiles, raising concerns about increased attacks on Ukrainian cities near the Russian border. The US and its allies have imposed fresh sanctions on Iran, signaling growing international unease about the conflict’s expanding geopolitical scope.
Ukraine’s appeal for long-range missile use represents a critical moment in its ongoing conflict with Russia, as it seeks greater military capabilities to defend against increasingly sophisticated attacks. However, the international community remains cautious of potential escalations that could draw NATO into a broader conflict.
“We hope that long-range equipment for strikes on the territory of our enemy will be reached and we will have it and we hope for your help and support in this issue.” – Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal
