Ukraine needs long-range weapons, permission to hit targets deep inside Russia, Zelenskyy says at Ramstein
At the Ramstein meeting, Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy again urged partners to provide long-range weapons and permit strikes on Russian territory.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of Ukraine reiterated his call on international partners to provide long-range weapons and permit their use on Russian territory, addressing the 24th meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group in the Ramstein format in Germany on 6 September, Ukrinform reports.
During the meeting, Zelenskyy emphasized the necessity of these capabilities, stating,
“We need to have this long-range capability not only on the occupied territory of Ukraine, but also on the Russian territory, so that Russia is motivated to seek peace.”
The Ukrainian President highlighted the success of previous operations, particularly in Crimea, which he said had improved security in the Black Sea and facilitated the export of Ukrainian food products.
Earlier, Zelenskyy specifically mentioned the need for permission from four countries – the United States, United Kingdom, France, and Germany – to use long-range weapons against military targets on Russian soil and allow the transfers.
The US supplies ATACMS ballistic missiles, the UK and France supply Storm Shadow/Scalp, but all three countries restrict Ukraine from deep strikes inside Russia. Germany has hesitated for months to supply Ukraine with Taurus cruise missiles, capable of striking key Russian infrastructure like the Kerch Bridge, due to concerns over escalation.
Yesterday, Pentagon Deputy Press Secretary Sabrina Singh said that ATACMS limited stockpiles and escalation concerns are behind the US decision to maintain the ban on Ukraine’s deep strikes inside Russia.
The Ramstein meetings, organized by the US at Ramstein Air Base or remotely, began in April 2022, two months into Russia’s full-scale invasion. These conferences gather defense ministers and officials from over 50 nations, including all NATO members, to coordinate military aid for Ukraine.
Related:
- ATACMS scarcity influences US ban on Ukraine’s deep strikes inside Russia, Pentagon’s Singh says
- Kirby says US upholds ATACMS missile restrictions for Ukraine, claiming 90% Russian aircraft beyond range
- Reuters: US close to agreeing on JASSM long-range missiles for Ukraine
- Ukraine presents target list, requests US lift ATACMS restrictions for deeper strikes in Russia
- Kuleba: Intercepting Russian missiles won’t make NATO countries party to the war
- Borrell pushes for unrestricted weapon use, condemns Russian attacks on Ukrainian civilians
- Hundreds of Russian military targets within range of Ukrainian ATACMS, ISW finds
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