Zelenskiy Calls for Long-Range Missile Use to Strike Inside Russia Amid Western HesitationsUkrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy urged Western allies on Friday to allow Ukraine to use long-range missiles against targets deep inside Russia. Speaking at a defense summit at Ramstein Airbase in Germany, Zelenskiy expressed frustration over limited cooperation and the shortage of vital missile supplies, which has hindered Ukraine’s efforts to utilize the weapons effectively, even in areas where their use has been permitted.
Call for Expanded Use of Long-Range Missiles
Zelenskiy highlighted the need for Ukraine to strike Russian targets beyond the occupied territories, including within internationally recognized Russian borders. “We think it is wrong that such steps are restricted. We need to have this long-range capability not only in occupied Ukraine but also in Russia itself to motivate peace talks,” Zelenskiy stressed, emphasizing that peace would only come if Russia felt the direct threat.
For months, Ukraine has sought approval to use missiles like the US-provided ATACMS and the Anglo-French Storm Shadow/Scalp cruise missiles, which have ranges exceeding 190 miles, to target military infrastructure deep within Russia. Although some countries at the summit voiced support for this idea, there remains hesitance among key allies, particularly the US, UK, and France.
Growing Western Division on Missile Use
Lithuania’s Defense Minister, Laurynas Kasčiūnas, noted that many countries back Ukraine’s request but emphasized that the decision ultimately lies with those who possess the missiles. Canada’s Defense Minister, Bill Blair, expressed hope that other allies would join the push, even though Canada does not have the long-range weapons needed.
Zelenskiy’s plea comes amid growing concerns in Kyiv about waning support from its Western partners, particularly as the war nears its third winter. Despite earlier promises, Ukrainian officials have privately complained about the UK’s cooperation regarding the use of Storm Shadow missiles, particularly in Crimea, though British authorities have denied any changes to their stance.
Unfair Fight: Ukraine’s Struggles Against Russian Aggression
Ukraine continues to argue that it faces an unfair fight, as Russia can strike anywhere in Ukraine while Kyiv is restricted by its Western allies in retaliating against Russian military installations. Recent Russian missile strikes on Poltava and Lviv underscored this imbalance, with significant civilian and military casualties resulting from the attacks.
Escalation Fears Among Western Allies
Despite Ukraine’s insistence, the White House and several European countries have been reluctant to approve the use of long-range missiles inside Russia, fearing it could lead to an escalation of the conflict. Western nations worry that striking targets near Moscow could provoke a severe response from the Kremlin.
Ukraine, however, believes these fears are overblown, pointing to its successful use of other Western-supplied weapons, such as Leopard tanks and F-16 fighters, without escalating tensions with Russia.
Ramstein Summit Focuses on Ukraine’s Urgent Needs
During the summit, Zelenskiy argued that Russian President Vladimir Putin would only be deterred by Ukrainian strength, urging more forceful action. “It is Putin who doesn’t want peace,” he declared. “We need to make Russia think about peace or Putin.”
The summit concluded with a private session where Zelenskiy personally addressed Western defense ministers, including US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin. Austin echoed Zelenskiy’s urgency and revealed a new $250 million military aid package for Ukraine. Pentagon officials also confirmed discussions about supplying Ukraine with JASSM cruise missiles, which have a range of over 230 miles and can be launched from F-16s.
While the UK reaffirmed that the weapons it provided to Ukraine were for defensive purposes, the meeting at Ramstein highlighted the increasing pressure on the West to reconsider its stance on allowing Ukraine to strike further into Russian territory.