Zelenskyy’s Push for US Missile Strikes in Russia to End War in Ukraine
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is making a bold move in his efforts to end the ongoing war in Ukraine by urging US President Joe Biden to allow Ukraine to carry out long-range strikes inside Russia with US-supplied weapons. Zelenskyy is calling on Biden to make history by supporting Ukraine in its quest for peace before he leaves office.
Zelenskyy is set to visit Washington next week, where he will meet with Biden, US Vice President Kamala Harris, and address the United Nations. During a media briefing in Kyiv, Zelenskyy revealed his plan to present a “victory plan” to bring an end to the conflict. While the specifics of his vision for a “just peace” have not been made public, Zelenskyy mentioned that it involves carrying out deep strikes with western missiles inside Russia – a move that London and Washington have thus far been hesitant to support.
Challenges in Obtaining Support for Missile Strikes
Despite months of lobbying efforts, both the US and UK have not given the green light for Ukraine to use British Storm Shadow cruise missiles or other advanced weaponry against Russian targets. Zelenskyy highlighted the lack of adequate supplies of Storm Shadows, the French Scalp missiles, and the US Atacms system, all of which are crucial for Ukraine’s defense against Russian aggression.
The reluctance of international partners to support Ukraine’s use of these weapons may stem from concerns about escalating tensions with Moscow. However, Zelenskyy emphasized that Kyiv does not share these fears and is determined to secure the necessary support to defend its sovereignty and independence.
Zelenskyy’s Diplomatic Efforts and Strategic Successes
In his quest to garner support for US missile strikes in Russia, Zelenskyy is banking on his upcoming meetings with Biden and Harris to sway their opinions. He pointed to the potential for Biden to leave a lasting impact on Ukraine’s security and independence during his presidency, framing it as a historic mission that the outgoing president could undertake.
Zelenskyy also alluded to a possible meeting with former President Donald Trump, hinting at the importance of continued dialogue and collaboration in addressing the conflict in Ukraine. While acknowledging the challenges in eastern Ukraine and the need for long-range weapons to counter Russian attacks, Zelenskyy remains optimistic about the prospects for a peaceful resolution.
The recent incursion into Russia’s Kursk oblast by Ukrainian forces was seen as a strategic success by Zelenskyy, as it forced Moscow to redeploy troops and prevented a potential attack on Ukrainian territory. This operation, along with ongoing efforts to secure international support for missile strikes, underscores Ukraine’s determination to defend itself against Russian aggression.
Implications of US Missile Strikes on Russia
The prospect of US missile strikes against Russia using advanced weaponry like the Atacms system poses a significant challenge to the Kremlin and could potentially alter the dynamics of the conflict. With a range of 190 miles and the capability to carry cluster munitions, these missiles could effectively target Russian military bases and disrupt their operations against Ukraine.
While Russia has issued threats in response to the possibility of NATO involvement in the conflict, Ukrainian officials have dismissed these warnings as empty rhetoric. Zelenskyy’s push for missile strikes reflects Ukraine’s resolve to defend its sovereignty and seek a peaceful resolution to the conflict through diplomatic means.
In conclusion, Zelenskyy’s strategy of seeking US support for missile strikes in Russia represents a bold move in Ukraine’s efforts to end the war and secure its independence. By leveraging diplomatic channels and highlighting the strategic importance of advanced weaponry, Zelenskyy is positioning Ukraine to confront Russian aggression and pave the way for a lasting peace in the region.
