Wed Sep 25 08:55:59 UTC 2024: ## Zelenskyy Seeks Long-Range Missiles to Hit Russian Assets, But NATO Remains Divided
**Kyiv, Ukraine** – Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is pushing for more long-range Western missiles to strike targets deep inside Russia, as part of his “victory plan” to end the war. This plan, which he presented to US President Joe Biden this week, aims to secure a “just end of Russian aggression against Ukraine.”
While Zelenskyy insists Ukraine is closer to victory than many believe, NATO remains divided on the use of such weapons. Concerns about escalating the conflict and potential Russian retaliation remain high.
Ukraine already utilizes long-range missiles, fighter jets, and other advanced weaponry provided by Western allies to strike Russian targets within Ukrainian territory, including Crimea. However, Zelenskyy seeks permission to use these weapons against Russian assets outside Ukraine, potentially targeting military bases, logistics hubs, and airfields.
The US has been asked to provide more Army Tactical Missile Systems (ATACMS), which can hit targets up to 300 kilometers away. The UK’s Storm Shadow missiles and their French counterpart, Scalp, also have the range to strike deep inside Russia.
While some NATO officials, including outgoing Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg, support Ukraine’s request, others remain cautious. Germany has firmly refused to provide its Taurus long-range missiles, while France and Italy, co-manufacturers of the Storm Shadow, haven’t publicly taken a position on the use of these weapons inside Russia.
The US and UK are currently considering the request but haven’t made any concrete decisions yet. The main concern is that using long-range missiles against Russian targets would be seen as a major escalation by Moscow, potentially leading to a wider conflict.
Russia has repeatedly warned that using these missiles would be considered an act of war by NATO, potentially leading to further escalation. Moscow has also been trying to sow division among Ukraine’s allies by emphasizing the threat of retaliation.
However, some experts believe that Russia’s threats are exaggerated, arguing that the Kremlin is attempting to undermine Western support for Ukraine. They believe that if NATO does provide long-range missiles, Russia cannot claim to be a victim of escalation, given its own actions, such as sourcing missiles from North Korea and Iran.
The situation remains complex and uncertain, with the potential for significant consequences, either for a peaceful resolution of the conflict or for further escalation. The coming weeks will be crucial in determining whether Ukraine will be able to secure the long-range missiles it seeks, and how NATO will respond to the escalating pressure.
First Piper 