Kyiv, Ukraine is calling on the West to allow them to strike deeper into Russia as Russian attacks intensify. Ukrainian officials have urged allies to greenlight the use of Western-provided long-range weapons, but so far, the U.S. has only allowed them to use these weapons in a limited area on Russia’s border with Ukraine. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has been pushing for the use of Western weapons to target air bases and launch sites farther afield, especially as Russia has increased assaults on Ukraine’s utilities before winter.
During a recent meeting between U.S. President Joe Biden and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, discussions on allowing long-range strikes were believed to be on the table, but no decision was announced immediately. Zelenskyy did not directly comment on the meeting but reported that over 70 Russian drones were launched into Ukraine overnight, with the Ukrainian air force later confirming that 72 drones had been shot down. The Ukrainian president emphasized the need to boost air defense and long-range capabilities to protect the country, stating that the government is working with partners on this issue.
As the conflict intensifies, more casualties are reported, with one person killed by Russian artillery fire in Ukraine’s Sumy region, and three others killed in a Russian strike on an agricultural enterprise in the Zaporizhzhia region. Ukrainian officials have also announced a prisoner swap involving 206 prisoners on both sides, brokered by the United Arab Emirates. This swap marks the eighth exchange since the beginning of 2024, with the total number of prisoners exchanged now standing at 1,994. Images of soldiers reuniting with friends and family after the swap were shared, bringing some relief to those involved.
In response to Ukraine’s calls for long-range strikes, Moscow has warned that such actions would provoke further escalation between Russia and the West. Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov accused the U.S. and British governments of pushing the conflict towards poorly controlled escalation. Russian President Vladimir Putin also previously stated that allowing long-range strikes would mean NATO countries are at war with Russia. Despite these warnings, Biden dismissed Putin’s comments, stating that he does not think much about him.
The exchange of fire continues, with Russia reporting the downing of 19 Ukrainian drones over Kursk and Belgorod regions. A tragic incident occurred when a woman died after a Ukrainian shell hit her home in the border village of Bezlyudovka, according to Belgorod regional Gov. Vyacheslav Gladkov. Both sides are experiencing casualties and losses as the conflict rages on, with no immediate resolution in sight. The situation remains volatile, with the Ukrainian government seeking support from Western allies to defend against Russian aggression and protect its people.
