Ukraine seeks long-range strike approval amid U.S. and U.K. visits

Ukraine is seeking approval from its allies to use long-range Western weapons to strike Russian targets, as U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and U.K. Foreign Secretary David Lammy visit Kyiv. The Ukrainian government is under pressure due to ongoing Russian attacks, which have resulted in significant damage to cities and infrastructure. Despite previous refusals from Washington and other allies, there is a growing sense of hope in Kyiv that the U.S. stance may be shifting, especially in light of Iran's alleged provision of ballistic missiles to Russia. U.S. President Joe Biden has not ruled out a change in policy regarding the use of donated long-range missiles, as lawmakers from both parties urge him to relax restrictions. Ukrainian officials emphasize that achieving victory over Russia requires a willingness to escalate the conflict if necessary. They argue that the risks associated with striking Russian targets are minimal, citing Moscow's muted response to recent Ukrainian operations in the Kursk region. Additionally, Ukraine is calling on neighboring countries like Poland and Romania to intercept Russian missiles and drones before they reach Ukrainian territory. These nations have been hesitant to act, fearing potential escalation. Ukrainian officials frame this request as a humanitarian mission aimed at saving lives, urging collective action from frontline allies. While optimism exists regarding potential changes in U.S. policy, there remains a cautious approach in Kyiv, as past hopes have often been dashed. The diplomatic landscape is complex, and any significant policy shift will require careful negotiation and consensus among allies.