Ukraine Renews Call for Long-Range Strikes Into Russia as Drone Attacks Intensify

Ukraine has once again urged the West to permit strikes deeper into Russian territory, following a meeting between U.S. President Joe Biden and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer. However, no immediate shift in their policy on the use of long-range weapons was announced.

Ukraine’s Appeal for Expanded Strike Capabilities: A Matter of Urgency

“Russian terror begins at weapons depots, airfields, and military bases inside the Russian Federation,” said Andriy Yermak, a senior adviser to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, on Saturday. “Permission to strike deep into Russia will speed up the solution.”

Yermak’s renewed appeal came after Kyiv reported fresh drone and artillery attacks launched by Russia into Ukrainian territory overnight. Ukrainian officials have persistently called on Western allies to authorize the use of advanced, long-range weaponry to target critical military assets deep within Russia. While the U.S. has allowed Kyiv to use American-supplied weapons only within a limited area along the Russia-Ukraine border, the question of extending this authorization remains open.

Though discussions were believed to be part of Friday’s meeting between Biden and Starmer, no decision was publicly announced.

Zelenskyy’s Response to Overnight Drone Attacks

President Zelenskyy has consistently lobbied for greater access to long-range Western weaponry, particularly as Russia intensifies attacks on Ukraine’s infrastructure in anticipation of the winter months. On Saturday, he disclosed that over 70 Russian drones had been launched into Ukraine overnight, with the Ukrainian Air Force later confirming that 76 drones were sighted, 72 of which were successfully shot down.

“We need to boost our air defense and long-range capabilities to protect our people,” Zelenskyy posted on social media, emphasizing ongoing efforts with Ukraine’s international partners.

In Ukraine’s Sumy region, Russian artillery strikes overnight claimed the life of a 54-year-old driver, while seven others were injured. The Ukrainian Ministry of Energy confirmed that energy infrastructure had been targeted. Additionally, a KAB aerial bomb struck a garage complex in Kharkiv. However, no injuries were reported, according to the regional governor.

Moscow’s Warning Against Long-Range Strikes

Meanwhile, Moscow has issued stern warnings against long-range strikes, cautioning that such actions would escalate tensions between Russia and the West. Russian officials have consistently framed the conflict as involving NATO countries through their military support for Ukraine.

On Saturday, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov said that the U.S. and British governments were pushing the war toward “poorly controlled escalation.” These statements align with earlier remarks from Russian President Vladimir Putin, who warned that allowing long-range strikes would mean NATO countries are directly at war with Russia.

However, on Friday, Biden dismissed these threats, stating, “I don’t think much about Vladimir Putin.”

Prisoner Exchange Between Russia and Ukraine: A Ray of Hope Amidst Conflict

In a separate development, Russian and Ukrainian officials announced a prisoner swap on Saturday, brokered by the United Arab Emirates. The exchange involved 206 prisoners from both sides, including Russians captured during Ukraine’s incursion in the Kursk region. This marks the eighth prisoner swap of 2024, bringing the total number of exchanged POWs to 1,994.

Images of soldiers returning home were released, with Zelenskyy commenting, “Our people are home.”

Meanwhile, Russia’s Defense Ministry reported that 19 Ukrainian drones were shot down over the Kursk and Belgorod regions, with no casualties reported.