Conflict in Ukraine - Zelensky supports initiating attacks against Russia.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy calls for the right to use Western weapons against Russian territory following devastating bombings in Kharkiv that have killed over 20 people. Global leaders and organizations have voiced their sympathy and disapproval of Russia's actions. Zelenskyy emphasizes the importance of these condemnations resulting in tangible actions.
Recent aerial bombardments in eastern Ukraine's border city of Kharkiv have claimed the lives of more than 20 persons, according to official reports. Concurrently, fierce battles near Kharkiv and other front lines are ongoing, with Sunday evening's air alarm southern Ukraine signifying possible missile launches.
Ukraine has been combating a Russian invasion for more than two years. Military capabilities have been hindered partly due to the delay in acquiring Western weapons.
Controversy over the use of Western weapons against Russia
Zelenskyy now states that in addition to more air defense, Ukraine requires the authorization to attack Russian territory with their foreign-supplied weapons. "We can identify every Russian troop assembly and the launch sites of their rockets and fighter jets," he said. To prevent potential attacks on Ukraine, it's a decision that must be made. Additionally, Ukraine expects quicker delivery of the promised F-16 fighter jets from the United States.
Debates regarding the deployment of foreign weapons against Russian soil have persisted among major donor countries. NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg urges member states to permit Ukraine's use of these weapons for self-defense purposes. Great Britain has given approval for its supplied weapons to be used with that purpose.
The United States, on the other hand, does not officially endorse the use of such weapons, though no restriction exists, as clarified by Secretary of State Antony Blinken during his visit to Kyiv. In Germany, Chancellor Olaf Scholz (SPD) is against the use of weapons against Russian territory due to concerns of Germany being implicated in the conflict.
Escalating battles in the eastern Ukrainian region of Donetsk
The Ukrainian General Staff reported heightened ground attacks on Sunday northwest of Avdiivka, in the eastern Ukrainian region of Donetsk, while referencing Pokrovsk as a significant point for this front section. Zelenskyy highlighted the town's significance in his evening video message.
Simultaneously, the assault in the border region near Kharkiv, initiated on May 10, has continued. Moscow's forces are targeting the towns of Vovchansk and Lipky. Zelenskyy reassures his people: "Our units, our soldiers, are doing great work to repel this Russian pressure." The General Staff's situation report affirms that the situation is being controlled and no positions have been lost.
In Moscow, former Russian president Dmitry Medvedev reacts angrily to Polish Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski's statements. He warned Poland of "radioactive ash" if they continue to advocate for a response to a potential Russian nuclear weapons attack on Ukraine involving a conventional strike against the Russian army. The US has not confirmed such a warning, according to US media.
Additionally, Poland is willing to accept US nuclear weapons. However, Medvedev warns, "Warsaw will not be spared and will certainly receive its share of radioactive ash. Is that what you want?"
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Source: www.stern.de
