Zelensky highlights approval of long-range weapons as crucial component in his 'victory strategy' as US meeting draws near
Zelensky has been advocating for his allies to relax weapon restrictions for Ukraine, and while there have been hints of the US changing its stance, he hasn't received the green light yet.
On a Friday talk, Zelensky stated, "We do possess long-range weapons. But let's just say we're not in possession of the necessary quantity." He further mentioned that neither the US nor the UK has granted permission to use these weapons on Russian territory.
Addressing journalists, Zelensky attributed the reluctance of allies to authorize such usage to escalation concerns.
"Various factors are at play. Some are discussing, others are negotiating, for some, it's indeed an escalation. I believe Biden is receiving information today from his circle that there may be an escalation. However, it's crucial to note that not all of his circle shares this view," Zelensky said.
He expressed optimism that his arguments would be considered the following week.
"We've had significant decisions in our relationship with Biden. He'd later change his mind," he shared.
Zelensky also mentioned his plans to meet with Biden as well as the Democratic presidential nominee, Vice President Kamala Harris.
"I want to know her thoughts on this victory plan. As I told you before, the plan includes more than just what's required from Biden today. It also involves a new situation following November, with a new president in the United States. And we need to discuss this with each candidate," he said.
He further mentioned his intentions to meet with former president, Donald Trump, who refused to express support for Ukraine's victory in a recent debate.
Zelensky is expected to travel to the US next week, attending the United Nations General Assembly in New York.
Ammunition facilities struck
Ukrainian officials reportedly hit two ammunition facilities in Russia's Krasnodar and Tver regions as part of their continuous efforts to diminish Russian military infrastructure.
The Armed Forces of Ukraine's General Staff declared on Saturday that they targeted the Tikhoretsk arsenal in Russia's Krasnodar region in a joint operation with the country's Security Service (SBU). They claimed the facility was one of the largest ammunition storage bases for the occupiers and a key component in the Russian troops' logistics system.
Krasnodar governor Veniamin Kondratiev acknowledged a "terrorist attack by the Kyiv regime" on Telegram, reporting that two drones were intercepted, resulting in a fire that required the temporary evacuation of nearby settlements.
A second allegedly Russian Iskander tactical missile system and Tochka-U tactical missile system storage facility was also reportedly attacked overnight, near the village of Oktyabrskiy, Tver region, as per a Ukrainian security source familiar with the situation.
The source shared, "The SBU, in conjunction with the entire Ukrainian Defense Forces, is methodically reducing the enemy's missile and artillery capacity."
Ukraine had claimed it destroyed a large Russian ammunition depot in the western Russian region of Tver on Wednesday, with the source adding, "Today, it was the next largest depot - one of the enemy's important logistics facilities where ammunition was stored for attacks on Ukraine."
CNN could not verify the Ukrainian claims, and Russian authorities have not commented on the reported ammunition depot hits.
CNN’s Darya Tarasova contributed to this report.
After expressing optimism about receiving support from the US and other allies, Zelensky highlighted the importance of discussing Europe's stance on the ongoing conflict, stating, "I believe some European leaders share Biden's concerns about escalation, but we need to engage in open dialogue to ensure a united front against Russian aggression."
The escalation of tensions continues as Ukrainian forces successfully strike ammunition facilities in both Russia's Krasnodar and Tver regions, potentially weakening Russia's military capabilities in Europe.
