In brief
Ukraine's military and political leaders express mixed feelings about the U.S. approval for long-range missile use, seeing it as a step toward restoring balance but cautioning that it won't change war dynamics.
Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky has expressed his cautious optimism regarding the recent approval from President Biden, which allows Ukraine to use U.S.-supplied long-range missiles against targets deep within Russia. In his nightly address, Zelensky noted, "Strikes are not made with words... missiles speak for themselves."This long-anticipated move comes at a critical juncture, with Ukraine reportedly set to deploy the Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS) primarily to defend troops in the contested Kursk region, where a major Russian counter-offensive is anticipated. This development could enable Ukraine to retain leverage in uncertain peace negotiations expected next year.Military analysts in Ukraine have responded positively to the news, suggesting it will help balance the scales as Russian forces have gained momentum on the eastern front in recent months. "Ukrainians are very much inspired with the news," Marvel Volodymyr Omelyan from Ukraine’s armed forces said, while dismissing Russian President Putin's previous threats of escalated conflict as mere "bluffing."While many politicians and military leaders in Ukraine are celebrating this decision, some, like MP Inna Sovsun, called attention to the delay in U.S. action. She lamented that earlier support could have saved numerous lives and preserved the country’s energy infrastructure, which has suffered significant damage due to Russian attacks.Questions remain about the specifics of the missile deployment, including the quantity and extent of their use permitted under U.S. authorization. Emphasizing the need for sufficient missile stocks, Odessa MP Oleksiy Goncharenko stated, "It's better late than never," in light of the ongoing war's toll.Furthermore, other lawmakers maintain that while acquiring these missiles is pivotal, they are not a "silver bullet" capable of turning the tide on their own. "The focus needs to be on a change in strategy," warned MP Maria Ionova, advocating for unity against a common adversary.Meanwhile, recent Russian missile and drone strikes have resulted in civilian casualties, underscoring the ongoing threats against Ukraine. The conflict continues as military dynamics evolve amid seasonal transitions and political maneuvering on both sides.
