As tensions in Ukraine escalate, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has expressed displeasure over the delay in deliveries of long-range weapons promised by Western allies. He calls for a rapid response to counter Russia’s incessant attacks, fearing that these delays will benefit the enemy.
Delays with strategic consequences
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, in a recent statement, highlighted a critical point in the current conflict against Russia: the delay in the supply of long-range weapons. These deliveries, considered vital by kyiv, are struggling to arrive despite commitments from Western countries. The Ukrainian president believes that these delays weaken his country’s ability to defend itself against Russia, which continues to increase attacks. This lack of responsiveness poses a major strategic problem for Ukraine, whose counter-offensive depends largely on the rapid arrival of these weapons systems.
For kyiv, these missiles are crucial not only for the defense of Ukrainian territories, but also for striking military targets in Russia. This question of the use of weapons for strikes on Russian territory is debated among Ukraine’s allies. Many fear that such actions will cause an escalation of the conflict, leading to global repercussions. However, for Zelensky, the issue is clear: without these weapons, Russia could continue to strike Ukraine with impunity.
The intensification of Russian strikes and the Ukrainian response
Russia continues to carry out numerous attacks on Ukrainian territory, including using drones and missiles. Recently, the Russian Defense Ministry claimed to have intercepted more than a hundred Ukrainian drones in several border regions. Faced with these offensives, kyiv wishes to strengthen its defense capabilities and is calling for the sending of additional weapons, in particular anti-missile systems.
Zelensky draws inspiration from solutions used by Israel to intercept Iranian missile attacks. He calls for similar cooperation to shoot down Russian drones and missiles that target Ukraine daily. However, it comes up against the reluctance of Western allies, who hesitate to take this step, fearing a direct confrontation with Moscow, a nuclear power. The Ukrainian president stresses the urgency of the situation, arguing that these delays risk worsening civilian casualties and needlessly prolonging the conflict.
