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.