The President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, discussed the lifting of restrictions on the use of American weapons for strikes within the aggressor country of Russia in his meeting with US President Joe Biden in Washington on July 11. This was reported by Politico on July 12, citing sources.
The meeting between the two leaders marked an important milestone in the relationship between the United States and Ukraine. Zelenskyy, a former comedian who rose to power in 2019, has been a strong advocate for his country’s sovereignty and security against Russian aggression.
In his first official visit to the White House, Zelenskyy wasted no time in addressing the pressing issue of Russia’s ongoing military intervention in Ukraine. The conflict, which began in 2014, has taken thousands of lives and displaced millions of Ukrainians.
According to sources, Zelenskyy specifically discussed the possibility of lifting restrictions on the use of American weapons for strikes within Russia. Currently, the United States only allows Ukraine to use American weapons against Russian-backed separatists in eastern Ukraine, but not against Russian forces themselves.
A senior Ukrainian official, speaking on the condition of anonymity, stated that Zelenskyy sees this as a crucial step in deterring Russian aggression and restoring peace in the region. The official added that Zelenskyy wants to have the ability to target Russian military capabilities, rather than just the separatist forces on the ground.
Furthermore, Zelenskyy stressed the importance of receiving additional military aid from the United States to strengthen Ukraine’s defense capabilities. This includes lethal weapons such as anti-tank missiles and air defense systems, which have been previously requested by Ukraine.
Biden, who has been a long-time supporter of Ukraine, assured Zelenskyy that the United States is committed to providing strong and unwavering support to Ukraine. The two leaders also discussed other areas of cooperation, including energy security, economic ties, and the ongoing fight against corruption in Ukraine.
The meeting between Zelenskyy and Biden sends a strong message to Russia that the United States stands firmly with Ukraine in its fight for sovereignty and security. It also signals a new chapter in the relationship between the two countries, which has been strained in recent years due to Russia’s annexation of Crimea and its involvement in the ongoing conflict in eastern Ukraine.
In the aftermath of the meeting, the Russian Foreign Ministry released a statement condemning the discussions on lifting restrictions on American weapons for strikes within Russian territory. The statement called it a «provocative move» and warned of «serious consequences» if such actions were to be taken.
Despite this reaction, Zelenskyy remains determined to seek stronger support from the United States in defending Ukraine’s territorial integrity and pushing back against Russian aggression. In an interview following the meeting, Zelenskyy stated, «We are not looking for help, we are looking for collaboration.»
The meeting between Zelenskyy and Biden is a clear demonstration of the strong and enduring partnership between the United States and Ukraine. It also sends a message to the world that the United States will continue to support democratic nations that are under threat, and will not tolerate aggression and human rights violations by authoritarian regimes like Russia.
As the conflict in Ukraine continues to escalate, it is crucial for the international community to stand with Ukraine and provide the necessary support to protect its people and maintain stability in the region. The discussions on lifting restrictions on American weapons for strikes within Russian territory is just one step towards achieving this goal and shows that the United States is committed to being a global leader in promoting peace and security.
