Zelensky confirms no US, UK approval for long-range strikes on Russia
- Zelensky stated that the US and UK have not authorized Ukraine to use long-range missiles against targets in Russia.
- He emphasized the increased military support from allies, which is crucial for Ukraine's defense against Russian advances.
- Zelensky plans to propose a 'victory plan' to Biden, indicating ongoing efforts to seek a resolution to the conflict.
On September 22, President Volodymyr Zelensky confirmed that neither the United States nor the United Kingdom had authorized Ukraine to launch long-range missile strikes on targets within Russia. He suggested that concerns over escalating hostilities were a factor in this decision. Russian President Vladimir Putin has warned that such actions would indicate a state of war between NATO countries and Russia, highlighting the delicate balance of military engagement in the ongoing conflict. Zelensky noted that Ukraine's allies have increased military support, which is crucial as Ukrainian forces continue to face challenges against advancing Russian troops in the eastern regions. Earlier in the year, delays in weapon supplies due to political disagreements among allies had left Ukraine's military at a disadvantage. The Ukrainian army is significantly outnumbered and outgunned compared to Russian forces, making external support vital for their defense efforts. In addition to military matters, Zelensky dismissed a peace proposal from China and Brazil, labeling it as vague and lacking concrete steps. He expressed skepticism about the effectiveness of such generalized plans, which he believes obscure the real issues at hand. Looking ahead, Zelensky plans to present his own "victory plan" to President Joe Biden during an upcoming meeting in the United States. He also mentioned a potential meeting with former President Donald Trump, who has been critical of U.S. aid to Ukraine and claims he could resolve the conflict swiftly, although he has not detailed how this would be achieved.