Ukraine considers striking deep as allies weigh up long-range support
Ukraine may attack 261 military targets if partners lift restrictions on strikes deep into the Russian Federation, reports "Der Spiegel". The list is said to primarily include targets whose destruction would weaken military logistics.
According to the publication, the list includes large weapon depots, air bases, and Russian army training grounds. Strikes on these targets would complicate Russian military logistics.
Ukraine seeks to use long-range weapons
For several months, Ukraine has been increasingly bold in attacking military targets deep inside Russia. Drones are mainly used for this purpose, but the authorities of the war-torn country are seeking Western approval for the use of long-range weapons.
President Zelensky has repeatedly appealed to the Americans for permission to expand the use of Western weapons in the war with Russia. In response to allies' fears of a nuclear war escalation, Zelensky stated that the United States should have more faith in Ukraine.
Explosion at airport in Japan. A plane took off before the blast
"Imagine how much we can achieve when all limitations are lifted. Similarly, now we can protect our cities from Russian guided bombs if American leadership makes a step forward and allows us to destroy Russian military aircrafts on their bases," said Volodymyr Zelensky at the beginning of September.
Do they doubt the effectiveness of the attacks?
Allies, mainly the United States, seem not only to fear possible escalation but also to be unconvinced about the effectiveness of such actions. The US Secretary of Defense, Lloyd Austin, stated at the beginning of September that the Russians have moved guided aerial bombs out of the range of ATACMS systems.
It is also uncertain whether the equipment possessed by Ukraine would be sufficient to destroy Russian bases.
The United Kingdom and France also support the unrestricted use of long-range missiles, having provided Ukraine with Storm Shadow missiles capable of flying 155 miles. However, they have not convinced Joe Biden, whose voice is decisive.
Kremlin issues a warning to the West
"Washington and other European states are becoming parties to the war in Ukraine. All this will lead to the fact that our country will be forced to respond using more powerful and destructive weapons to protect its citizens," warned State Duma Chairman Vyacheslav Volodin.
"Turning to the United States, Germany, France, and England with a request for the supply of long-range weapons, missiles, and other equipment and discussing with them the issues of launching strikes on the territory of Russia, Zelensky makes these countries direct participants in the military conflict on the territory of the Russian Federation," he added.
