Zelenskiy Presses for More Long-Range Missiles Amid Waning Support from US, UK, and France

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has expressed frustration over a dwindling supply of Storm Shadow missiles and decreasing cooperation from the US, UK, and France. These long-range missiles are crucial for Ukraine to target Russian-occupied territories.

Zelenskiy’s concerns came to light during a summit with Western defense leaders at Ramstein airbase in Germany, where he sought more support for missile strikes, especially in Crimea, as the conflict enters its third winter.

Zelenskiy emphasized the need for Ukraine to strike not just occupied Ukrainian regions but also targets inside Russia, using Anglo-French Storm Shadow/Scalp cruise missiles and US Atacms ballistic missiles.

Despite past permissions to target Russian positions in occupied Ukraine, Zelenskiy claimed that it has become increasingly difficult to obtain necessary missile supplies. He urged Western allies to maintain long-range strike capabilities to force Russia into seeking peace, highlighting a shortage of missiles and reduced cooperation.

During the summit, several countries expressed support for providing Ukraine with long-range missiles. Lithuania’s defense minister noted broad international backing, while Canada’s defense minister emphasized the importance of collective Western support, though Canada itself does not possess such munitions.

The UK, meanwhile, announced an additional shipment of air defense missiles to Ukraine but has denied any change in its policy on Storm Shadow missiles, contrary to Ukrainian claims of reduced cooperation.

Ukraine has been critical of what it views as an unfair situation, where Russia can strike Ukrainian military and civilian targets while Western allies restrict Ukraine’s ability to retaliate similarly. Recent Russian missile strikes have caused heavy casualties in cities like Poltava and Lviv, further fueling Kyiv’s argument that it needs more flexibility in its use of Western-supplied missiles.

Ukraine previously proposed a “demonstration strike” near Moscow in hopes of pressuring Russia into peace negotiations, though Western nations have hesitated to approve such actions.

Western reluctance stems from fears of escalating the conflict, particularly in light of concerns from the US, UK, and France.

These countries are cautious about allowing strikes deep into Russian territory, worrying it could provoke a severe reaction from Moscow. Despite these reservations, Ukraine insists that Russia’s threats are exaggerated and that other weapons like Leopard tanks and F-16 jets have been deployed without triggering major escalations.

As the summit continued, Zelenskiy argued that only a show of strength would compel Russian President Vladimir Putin to consider peace. He warned that Putin remains fixated on territorial expansion, particularly in the eastern Donbas region, and that Ukraine must force Russia into negotiations through military strength.

Following his speech, US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin reiterated the US’s commitment to Ukraine and announced further military aid, including discussions about supplying long-range JASSM cruise missiles to bolster Ukraine’s defense capabilities.