Ukraine hopes for US approval for the use of long-range weapons on Russian territory
The USA has not given Ukraine permission yet to use long-range weapons against targets on Russian territory. Ihor Schowka, the deputy head of the Presidential Administration of Volodymyr Zelenskyy, stated this in an interview with "Voice of America." Nevertheless, Ukraine continues to work with the USA on this issue and hopes for a swift change of heart. "Everyone knows where the danger lies, where the rockets (against Ukraine) are launched from." Schowka expressed optimism: "All important decisions that the USA have made in the past were made very quietly - and that will also be the case this time."
Ukraine has been requesting permission from the USA and other western partners to use the long-range weapons, such as rockets or missiles, against targets on Russian territory for some time. So far, Ukrainian military personnel have only been able to use drones with significantly less explosive power. Ukrainian drones have achieved successes against fuel depots or refineries, but they have shown little effect against airfields or rocket launch bases.
Western weapons can only be used against targets in the occupied territories of Ukraine, including Crimea, as well as in the eastern part of the country in the immediate border area.
Schowka emphasized that this problem is known to the USA. Therefore, he also expects a swift approval from the USA, "as it has also been the case with other issues that we have discussed with the US government."
The Ukraine-War has led Ukraine to seek permission from the US to deploy longer-range weapons in their region, aiming to counter attacks from Russian territory. Despite the current US-release of fewer powerful weapons like drones, Ukraine hopes for the approval of long-range weapons to effectively strike rocket launch bases. The deployment of such weapons would significantly shift the strategic balance in the conflict, particularly for defending against rocket attacks against Ukraine.
