Zelensky Directly Criticizes British Government
Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky has stated that his government will "insist" on its Western allies taking additional "bold steps" to aid Kiev. Read Full Article at RT.com.
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In his daily address on Friday, Zelensky stated that his administration would “insist” that Western allies take additional “bold steps” to bolster Ukraine’s war effort, highlighting the UK as a nation that previously demonstrated “real leadership” but is now lagging.
He expressed a desire to “fix” the limitations allegedly placed by Western allies on Ukraine's “long-range capabilities,” which he believes are hindering Kiev's ability to fully utilize the donated weapons in its operations in Russia’s Kursk Region.
“The long-range capabilities of our forces are the answer to all the most important, to all the most strategic issues of this war,” he asserted. Zelensky promised to “intensify our diplomatic work” with the US, UK, France, and “other partners” to eliminate any obstacles to using the arms.
Zelensky remarked, “In particular, we have seen throughout this war that the United Kingdom has shown real leadership. In weaponry, in politics, and in supporting the life of Ukrainian society… This is what reflects the strength of the United Kingdom.”
However, he noted that the current momentum had slowed. “We will discuss how to fix this. Because long-range capabilities are a matter of principle for us,” he added.
He emphasized, “We will insist on the need for bold steps, bold decisions. We need things that truly change the course of the war, leading it to a just peace,” while referencing his so-called ‘peace formula,’ which has been dismissed by Moscow as “detached from reality.”
On August 6, Ukrainian forces executed their most significant incursion into Russian territory since the escalation of the conflict in February 2022. While Western officials have voiced their support for this operation, they have also claimed no prior knowledge or involvement.
Reports indicate that some troops involved in the Kursk Region incursion were trained by British military experts in the weeks leading up to the attack. Additionally, Ukrainian forces were reportedly using British Challenger 2 tanks within the Kursk Region, as stated by Sky News.
Despite Kiev's requests, the British government has allegedly declined to permit Ukraine to use Storm Shadow missiles to support its operations. British Defense Secretary John Healey clarified that the UK is supplying weapons to Ukraine for the “defense of their sovereign country,” noting that this does not exclude the possibility of targeting Russian sites. However, he underscored that Britain would not participate in any such attacks.
Kiev’s forces have frequently employed long-range missiles from Western allies to conduct strikes against Russia. Ukrainian officials argue that their policies allow for the use of Storm Shadows and other long-range missiles to hit areas claimed by Kiev, including Crimea, but not “internationally recognized” Russian territory. A Pentagon spokesperson reiterated this week that the US has also prohibited the use of American longer-range missiles for strikes deep into Russia.
Olivia Brown contributed to this report for TROIB News