By Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Friday pressed top U.S. and allied military leaders to grant Ukraine the ability to strike deeper within Russian territory, arguing it’s crucial for Kyiv’s defense against intensifying Russian attacks.
Speaking at the Ukraine Defense Contact Group meeting in Germany, Zelenskyy emphasized the urgent need for long-range strike capabilities and bolstered air defenses as Ukraine faces a potentially challenging winter. The meeting comes at a critical juncture in Ukraine’s counteroffensive against Russian forces.
“We need to have this long-range capability, not only on the divided territory of Ukraine, but also on the Russian territory, so that Russia is motivated to seek peace,” Zelenskyy told the group. “We need to make Russian cities and even Russian soldiers think about what they need: peace or Putin.”
The Ukrainian leader’s appeal follows recent deadly Russian airstrikes, including an attack on a military training center that killed over 50 and wounded hundreds. On Friday, Russia launched five ballistic missiles at Pavlohrad in eastern Ukraine, injuring at least 50 people, including three children, according to regional Governor Serhii Lysak.
To date, the United States has been hesitant to provide Ukraine with longer-range missiles, fearing potential escalation of the conflict. However, Canadian Defense Minister Bill Blair expressed support for Zelenskyy’s request, stating he hopes other Western allies will back the appeal.
“One of the things President Zelenskyy and his ministers have made very clear to us is that they are suffering significant attacks from air bases and military installations located within Russia,” Blair said.
U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin acknowledged the ongoing threat, particularly around the strategic city of Pokrovsk. “We know Putin’s malice runs deep,” Austin said, highlighting Russia’s continued pressure in the region.
During the meeting, Austin announced an additional $250 million in U.S. weapons aid to Ukraine, including air defense munitions and artillery. The Pentagon is also considering providing air-to-ground missiles compatible with the newly delivered F-16 fighter jets, including the long-range Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missile (JASSM).
Bill LaPlante, the Pentagon’s top weapons buyer, noted that while no decisions have been made on the JASSM, “Anything that’s an air-to-ground weapon is always being looked at.”
Zelenskyy also stressed the slow arrival of promised defense systems, particularly highlighting the shortage of air defense systems crucial for protecting Ukraine’s electrical grid and infrastructure during winter.
German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius emphasized the importance of delivering promised systems, especially Patriot air defense systems, to help Ukraine defend its critical infrastructure.
The meeting also focused on expanding Ukraine’s defense industrial base to ensure long-term support, particularly as the Biden administration’s tenure winds down. Since 2022, member nations of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group have provided approximately $106 billion in security assistance to Ukraine, with the U.S. contributing more than $56 billion of that total.
The gathering in Germany follows a surprise Ukrainian assault inside Russia’s Kursk territory, where Zelenskyy claimed Ukraine captured about 1,300 square kilometers of Russian territory and inflicted significant casualties on Russian forces.
As the conflict continues to evolve, the international community remains focused on supporting Ukraine’s defense efforts while balancing concerns about potential escalation. The outcome of these discussions could significantly impact the trajectory of the ongoing war and Ukraine’s ability to defend itself against Russian aggression.
AP
