As the war in Ukraine intensifies, the debate over the use of long-range missiles against Russian territory has come to the forefront. High-ranking officials from the US and UK, including Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Foreign Secretary David Lammy, visited Kyiv to discuss this contentious issue. Ukraine's persistent requests for long-range weapons like Storm Shadow cruise missiles and ATACMS rockets have seen no definitive response from Western allies, particularly US President Joe Biden. The Kremlin has issued stern warnings, suggesting that such a move would implicate NATO directly in the conflict, but Ukraine and its allies remain resolute.
Russia continues to press its offensive, with reports of escalated actions in Kursk and Ukrainian drone strikes on Russian soil. The Ukrainian energy infrastructure has been severely damaged, raising concerns about significant power outages in the upcoming winter. Despite these challenges, Ukraine presses on, bolstered by its Western allies' military aid, albeit with limitations. Germany, for instance, has refused to provide long-range missiles, fearing escalation, while allowing the use of other military assets against Russian targets.
The situation is further complicated by Russia's alliances, notably with North Korea, which has provided military aid, exacerbating Ukraine's battlefield challenges. Despite these threats, figures like US President Biden dismiss Putin's saber-rattling, arguing that the use of Western-supplied missiles by Ukraine does not equate to NATO engaging in war with Russia.
As NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg noted, the war will ultimately end at the negotiating table, but until then, the strength and resolve of Ukraine, supported by its allies, remain critical. With the winter looming and the stakes higher than ever, the decision on long-range missile deliveries could significantly influence the course of this protracted conflict.
