< p>On August 30, 2024, the Minister of Defense of Ukraine Rustem Umerov and the head of the presidential office Andriy Yermak will travel to Washington on one of the most important missions since the beginning of the unprovoked war between Russia and Ukraine.
They intend to seek permission from the Biden administration to use long-range weapons to strike military targets in Russia. The visit became critical in Russia's latest massive attacks on August 26-28, which caused significant damage to Ukrainian civilian infrastructure and resulted in numerous civilian casualties.
The Ukrainian delegation plans to provide the US administration with a list of priority military targets in Russia. According to Politico, this is an attempt to get US authorities to lift restrictions on the use of US weapons against Russian territory, specifically ATACMS missiles. For now, the Biden administration is continuing its low-key policy, citing the risk of escalation and the limited number of US missiles. It is worth noting that Russia has already moved many key military installations, including aviation, away from the border, which somewhat reduces the potential for Ukrainian strikes.
The US decision not to lift restrictions on the use of American weapons in Russia can be explained by several factors. First, Washington is reserving the ATACMS missiles for future strategically important operations, such as an eventual assault on Crimea. Second, the US is waiting for an appropriate domestic or foreign political event to make this decision at the right strategic and political moment.
Previously, Britain, France and the Netherlands have already given permission to Ukraine to use long-range weapons. These countries have become important allies in the fight against Russian aggression, understanding the need to provide Ukraine with the ability to defend its territory and people.
The recent massive Russian attacks against Ukraine, which took place from August 26 to 28, resulted in significant civilian casualties. According to the latest data, more than 40 people died and dozens were injured as a result of these strikes. These brutal attacks on peaceful towns in Ukraine underscore the need to arm the country to defend itself and effectively counter Russian aggression.
Ukraine's right to use long-range weapons against military targets on Russian soil is crucial not only for Ukraine, but for all of Europe. It will protect civilian infrastructure and save thousands of lives under the constant threat of Russian aggression.
Vladimir Putin and his propagandists have repeatedly threatened European countries such as Poland, Lithuania and Latvia. This cannot be ignored. In addition, the occupied territories in Georgia and Moldova show that Russia is already taking aggressive actions outside of Ukraine, underscoring the need for international countermeasures to Russia's imperial ambitions. It must be stopped for peace and stability in the region.