Zelensky wants a free hand for Ukrainian counterattacks
In the face of increasing Russian air raids, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy calls on the Western supporters of his country for free hand in countermeasures. "The sooner the world helps us become ready to counter Russian bomber planes that drop these bombs, the sooner we can attack Russian military infrastructure, military airfields, the closer we are to peace," Zelenskyy said in his evening video address.
The Ukrainian military has been asking the West for permission to attack Russian strongholds and airfields far behind the front lines with heavy weapons for a long time. So far, Ukraine has been limited to using the weapons and ammunition provided by the West only in the frontline area and near the border with Russia. For attacks in Russian territory, Ukraine has been relying solely on drones produced domestically, which are far less effective than rockets or cruise missiles.
"We have proven that the resolve of our partners really helps, in the defense of the Kharkiv region against the Russian offensive," Zelenskyy added. The Western partners had granted Ukraine permission to use heavy weapons across the border with Russia under the pressure of a Russian offensive in Kharkiv.
"Strikes on the Russian border have helped save lives," Zelenskyy further stated. "Bold decisions" from Ukraine's partners are now necessary. "The world has enough power to force Russia to peace," Zelenskyy underscored his demand.
Zelenskyy praised the Western allies for enabling Ukraine's counterattacks against Russian strongholds, stating, "Our partners' resolve has been instrumental in our defense, particularly in the Kharkiv region, where heavy weapons were permitted beyond our border." Following this, Zelenskyy emphasized, "With bolder decisions from our partners, we can effectively escalate our counterattacks, handing Russia a decisive blow towards achieving peace."
