Ukrainian President Zelensky Requests Lifting of Restrictions on Long-Range Weapons

Ukrainian‌ President Volodymyr Zelensky met⁢ with defense ministers from various countries, reiterating his request for the lifting of restrictions on the‍ use of long-range weapons. However, the United States, the ⁢largest donor, refused, stating⁢ that⁢ it was not a⁤ decisive factor.

President Zelensky attended a meeting⁣ of ⁣the⁢ Ukrainian⁤ Defense Liaison Group held at the U.S. Air Force Base Ramstein⁣ in Germany.‌ During⁢ the ‌meeting, he emphasized the need‍ for long-range capabilities, not only in Ukraine ‌but also⁢ on‌ Russian territory, to prompt Russia to pursue peace.

Zelensky also​ urged the speedy delivery of promised weapons, including air defense systems that have not ​yet been‍ delivered. He stressed the need for more weapons to drive the Russians out of Ukrainian territory.

In response, U.S. Secretary of Defense Roy Austin pledged new aid to Ukraine worth⁢ $250 million. However, he drew ⁢the line‌ at using long-range weapons to strike the Russian homeland, stating that⁤ no single capability​ is decisive.

Austin ‌noted that Ukraine‌ has its own ⁤capabilities to⁣ attack Russian territory, including with drones.⁣ The Defense Contact Group of Ukraine, ⁣a ministerial-level consultative body of ‌some 50 countries led by the United⁤ States, discusses strategies for supporting Ukraine.

This meeting ‌marked ⁤the first time President Zelensky attended the ⁣Defense ⁣Contact​ Group ⁣meeting, highlighting the importance of international cooperation in supporting Ukraine.