The Ukrainian President recently stated that Western countries might soon give permission to strike with long-range weapon against military targets in Russia, and stressed that this issue would be one of the key issues at the upcoming Rammstein meeting on October 12, 2024. In its daily attacks, Russia uses ballistic missiles, drones and guided aerial bombs against civilian infrastructure in Ukraine. Since February 2022, Russia has launched more than 15,000 missiles and about 14,000 attack drones, causing significant destruction and numerous civilian casualties. The provision of long-range weapons for Ukraine would help to strengthen its defense capabilities and counter Russian aggressive actions by destroying important military facilities on enemy territory and thereby reducing its offensive potential.
In response to these attacks, Ukraine has prepared carefully. It has repeatedly asked the US and its allies for permission to use ATACMS missiles, which can strike at a distance of up to 300 km. The weapons would allow Ukraine to attack key military targets such as logistics hubs and airfields, weakening Russia’s offensive capabilities. The European Parliament and many members of the US Congress have supported this initiative.
Thus, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and US President Joe Biden discussed the possibility of allowing Ukraine to carry out long-range strikes against military targets in Russia. Biden said “they are working on it now,” indicating a possible change in Washington’s position. Potential targets include airfields, logistics bases and headquarters, in order to minimize civilian casualties and disrupt Russian military infrastructure. The UK has already given Ukraine permission to use Storm Shadow missiles, which can reach at a distance of up to 250 km, but a final decision for the US due to American components in it.
Western countries are delaying the decision, fearing the escalation and Russian blackmail. However, according to experts, Russia’s nuclear threats most likely are a bluff aimed at undermining Western resolve. Russia is not ready to fight on a nuclear battlefield, and the use of tactical nuclear weapons would have little success.
International sanctions don’t stop China to support Russia. Chinese companies supply dual-use components such as engines, electronics, and optical systems that are used in Russian military equipment, including drones. These allow Russia to continue producing and upgrading drones such as Orlan, Zala, and Supercam despite sanctions and international restrictions. GUANGZHOU DUPRE EXPORT & TRADING CO LTD, HMK TRADING COMPANY LTD, and MILE NAO XIANG TECHNOLOGY CO. LTD are among key suppliers, which play an important role in the production of Russian drones and other military equipment in Russia. Such operations are impossible without China’s top leadership consent, which indicates political support for these supplies. Despite international pressure, China is in no hurry to stop them, instead it prolongs Russian aggression and increases pressure on the Ukrainian civilian population.
Ukraine has repeatedly proved its effectiveness in using limited resources to strike military targets inside Russia, destroying weapons depots and oil refineries. The decision to provide long-range weapons now depends on several main countries, including the United States, Great Britain, Italy, Germany, France and other partners. The United States plays a decisive role, as it is the main supplier of high-tech weapons and imposes restrictions on their use. The support of these countries is essential to provide Ukraine with long-range systems, which would weaken the Russian army, disrupt its logistics and bring the end of the war closer, ensuring long-awaited peace in the region.