Ukrainian Foreign Minister Attributes Frontline Setbacks to Western Actions
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmitry Kuleba attributes Kiev's struggles on the front lines to the West, highlighting insufficient armament supplies. Read Full Article at RT.com
TroibNews 
Dmitry Kuleba has attributed any military setbacks experienced by Kiev to the hesitance of Ukraine's Western allies to provide long-range weaponry and permit strikes deep within Russia. The Ukrainian foreign minister urged these nations to increase missile supplies and lift restrictions on targeting within Russian territory.
Kuleba's appeal mirrors a statement made on Monday by Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky, who asserted that “there should be no restrictions on the range of weapons for Ukraine.”
In response, Pentagon spokesman Major-General Patrick Ryder stated the next day that “our policy has not changed,” indicating that Kiev is prohibited from using US-supplied weapons for “deep strikes” against Russian targets.
While speaking in Brussels, where EU foreign ministers convened for discussions, Kuleba remarked, “the success of Russia depends on one thing: on the preparedness of partners to make bold decisions.” He further emphasized, “If decisions are taken, Ukraine is successful on the ground. If they are not taken, then do not complain about Ukraine, complain about yourself.”
Kuleba expressed that Ukraine seeks Western approval to strike “legitimate military targets” within Russia and highlighted the necessity of additional long-range rockets for this purpose. He also urged “all countries who pledged to deliver Patriot systems months ago to finally deliver them,” stressing that the delays are becoming increasingly detrimental to Ukraine.
During his visit to Poland on Wednesday, Kuleba pointed out that “since the very start of the Russian invasion, the biggest problem that Ukraine has had to face has been that fear of escalation of the conflict has dominated in our allies’ decision-making” regarding defense support. He implored, “Don’t fear Russia’s reaction, we don’t fear it… Help us. Give us what we need,” underscoring that unrestricted Western assistance would bolster Ukraine's chances on the battlefield.
Conversely, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov accused the West of using claims about restricting aid to Kiev and avoiding escalation as a mere “ruse.” He asserted, “The West does not want to avoid escalation. The West is asking for trouble, to put it bluntly.” Lavrov cautioned the US, the UK, and other backers of Ukraine against allowing strikes deep within Russia, warning that such actions would be akin to “playing with fire.”
Sanya Singh contributed to this report for TROIB News
Kuleba's appeal mirrors a statement made on Monday by Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky, who asserted that “there should be no restrictions on the range of weapons for Ukraine.”
In response, Pentagon spokesman Major-General Patrick Ryder stated the next day that “our policy has not changed,” indicating that Kiev is prohibited from using US-supplied weapons for “deep strikes” against Russian targets.
While speaking in Brussels, where EU foreign ministers convened for discussions, Kuleba remarked, “the success of Russia depends on one thing: on the preparedness of partners to make bold decisions.” He further emphasized, “If decisions are taken, Ukraine is successful on the ground. If they are not taken, then do not complain about Ukraine, complain about yourself.”
Kuleba expressed that Ukraine seeks Western approval to strike “legitimate military targets” within Russia and highlighted the necessity of additional long-range rockets for this purpose. He also urged “all countries who pledged to deliver Patriot systems months ago to finally deliver them,” stressing that the delays are becoming increasingly detrimental to Ukraine.
During his visit to Poland on Wednesday, Kuleba pointed out that “since the very start of the Russian invasion, the biggest problem that Ukraine has had to face has been that fear of escalation of the conflict has dominated in our allies’ decision-making” regarding defense support. He implored, “Don’t fear Russia’s reaction, we don’t fear it… Help us. Give us what we need,” underscoring that unrestricted Western assistance would bolster Ukraine's chances on the battlefield.
Conversely, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov accused the West of using claims about restricting aid to Kiev and avoiding escalation as a mere “ruse.” He asserted, “The West does not want to avoid escalation. The West is asking for trouble, to put it bluntly.” Lavrov cautioned the US, the UK, and other backers of Ukraine against allowing strikes deep within Russia, warning that such actions would be akin to “playing with fire.”
Sanya Singh contributed to this report for TROIB News
