Ukraine Wants to “Strike” Deeper into Russia

by Jim Morris, Warrior Vice President, News

One of the deadliest Russian missile attacks on Ukraine since the war began has prompted Kyiv to again ask the West for more air defense weapons – and for the freedom to strike deeper into Russia. 

   According to Ukrainian officials, two ballistic missiles hit a military institute in the central part of the country on Tuesday, killing at least 51 people and wounding more than 200 others. More than a dozen others may be trapped in debris. 

   “We say again and again to everyone in the world who has the power to stop this terror: air defense systems and missiles are needed in Ukraine, not somewhere in a warehouse,” said Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.  

   Once again, Zelensky urged that Ukraine be allowed Western-donated weapons to attack deeper into Russia.  

   “Long-range strikes that can defend against Russian terror are needed now, not sometime later,” he said. “Every day of delay, unfortunately, means more lives lost.” 

   That’s an issue the West is split on. The UK and France reportedly support lifting the restrictions. But the US and Germany are opposed, fearing that firing long-range missiles into Russia will provoke Russian leader Vladimir Putin. 

Last week, two newspapers – the Telegraph and the Financial Times – reported that the UK has asked the US to allow Ukraine to fire British-made Storm Shadow missiles (which the French call Scalp-EG) at targets deep inside Russia. According  to the Financial Times, those missiles may need US capabilities to be used – meaning the British couldn’t allow Ukraine to use them without Washington’s okay.