Ukraine-Krieg: Kyiv fordert mehr Freiheit
In the wake of recent attacks on Charkiw, Ukraine is once again demanding greater freedom in using Western weapons on Russian territory. President Selenskyj is set to visit Washington to push for support.
The Ukrainian President, Volodymyr Selenskyj, is intensifying pressure on Western allies. Ukraine claims to have largely repelled a massive Russian drone attack, with 53 out of 56 drones shot down across ten regions, according to the Ukrainian Air Force. The attack mainly targeted the Kyiv region, with around 20 drones destroyed by air defense units as they approached the capital.
According to Kyiv’s Military Administration Chief, Serhij Popko, the Russian attack drones came from various directions. Fortunately, there were no reported casualties or damages in Kyiv. Selenskyj has once again requested leeway for potential counterattacks following the recent Russian air assault on the eastern city of Charkiw, which resulted in one fatality and 42 injuries.
„This terror can only be combated through a systemic solution with long-term effects,“ stated President Selenskyj in his evening video address, emphasizing the need for permission to use long-range weapons against deep targets in Russian territory. Selenskyj believes that destroying Russian military aircraft where they are stationed is a logical solution to the ongoing conflict. He has reiterated to Ukraine’s partners why the Ukrainian armed forces require adequate weapon range.
„Every Russian attack, every manifestation of Russian terror, like today’s in Charkiw, Sumy, and Donetsk, underscores the necessity for sufficient range,“ Selenskyj emphasized. He expects decisive actions primarily from the United States, United Kingdom, France, Germany, and Italy to help save lives.
Despite Ukraine’s plea, its allies have withheld permission to deploy heavy long-range weapons against Russian targets. Instead, Ukraine has been using domestically produced drones with limited explosive capabilities. Moscow has warned that such use of heavy weapons could be viewed as NATO involvement in the war against Russia.
Military Exercise in the Sea of Japan
Recent reports indicate that warships from the Russian Pacific Fleet and the Chinese Navy are conducting missile and artillery exercises in the Sea of Japan as part of the „Ocean-2024“ maneuver. More than 15 Russian warships, including the flagship cruiser „Varyag,“ are participating in the drills.
Selenskyj Plans to Present Victory Strategy in Washington
President Selenskyj has announced plans to unveil a victory strategy during his upcoming visit to Washington. He has outlined four fundamental points focusing on security, Ukraine’s geopolitical position, and military and economic support for the country. The detailed implementation of these points, Selenskyj stressed, relies solely on US President Joe Biden, not Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin.
While a specific date for Selenskyj’s visit to Washington is yet to be confirmed, it is expected to coincide with the UN General Assembly at the end of September. Selenskyj’s visit aims to garner crucial support from the United States in Ukraine’s ongoing conflict with Russia.