Next week, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is set to meet with Joe Biden on the sidelines of the annual UN General Assembly in New York, marking a pivotal moment in Ukraine's ongoing conflict with Russia. This meeting represents Zelensky's last chance to persuade the U.S. to allow the Ukrainian Armed Forces to utilize long-range weapons for strikes deep into Russian territory. The urgency of this request is underscored by recent diplomatic efforts, including a visit from Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov and Zelensky's chief of staff, Andriy Yermak, to Washington, where they presented a list of priority targets for potential strikes.
The U.S. has historically imposed restrictions on the use of American-supplied weapons, particularly regarding deep strikes into Russia. Pentagon officials have indicated that while permission has not yet been granted for the use of ATACMS operational-tactical missiles, the situation remains fluid. Furthermore, Washington has prohibited allies like London and Paris from supplying Ukraine with long-range missiles that could be used for strikes outside its recognized borders, due to the presence of American components in these weapons.
This growing dissatisfaction within Ukraine is met with stern warnings from Moscow. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov cautioned against what he termed 'playing with fire,' referring to the potential escalation of military actions. The Russian Foreign Ministry's spokesperson, Maria Zakharova, echoed these sentiments, suggesting that the U.S. is recklessly escalating tensions in the region while prioritizing its political interests as elections approach.
Experts suggest that Zelensky's push for deeper strikes is a strategic move, as the window for favorable U.S. support may soon close with the upcoming American elections. Political analyst Konstantin Blokhin emphasized that the current geopolitical climate indicates a deliberate escalation by the West, which could lead to significant repercussions for both sides. Meanwhile, political scientist Yuri Svetov posited that Biden may be inclined to grant such permissions, driven by a desire to secure his legacy in U.S. history amid the ongoing conflict.
