UKRAINE: Expedited talks would soon occur between Kyiv and its allies following Ukraine’s pleads to send long-range missiles that are absolutely required for the country to fight against Russia and to prevent the latter from launching attacks on its cities, as reported by a top aide to President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Saturday.
Ukraine possibly to get long range missile from its allies
Earlier, western allies have already decided to send battle tanks to to the country and are now looking forward to getting fighter jets to combat against Russian troops and pro-Moscow forces. These opposition forces are slowly progressing towards the front line.
“Fast track” talks were happening between Ukraine and its western allies on the possibility of equipping the country with long-range missiles and military aircraft.
An advisor to the President, Mykhailo Podolyak, reported that 100 artillery warehouses were present on the Russian-occupied Crimean Peninsula and that these ammunitions were absolutely required “to drastically reduce the Russian army’s key weapon-the artillery they use today on the front lines.”
However, Podolyak mentioned on a television program that a “conservative” attitude has been maintained by the western allies to arm deliveries due to “fear of changes in the international architecture”. Both Russia and North Korea have accused the West of instigating war by taking a direct role in providing military aid.
Zelenskyy said that the country wanted to take preventative action against Russia to protect the urban areas and the civilians.
He said in an evening video address, “In order to prevent the occupier from positioning its missile launchers away from the front lines and destroying Ukrainian cities, Ukraine requires long-range missiles.” He also added that Ukraine would need the US-made ATACMS missile, having a range of 185 miles.
Ukrainian air force repudiated a newspaper report that was to send 24 fighter jets from allies. Yuri Ihnat, Ukrainian air force spokesperson, said that 2 squadrons of 12 planes, each preferably Lickheed Martin F-16 jets, were demanded by Ukraine.
He said, “Ukraine is merely at the aircraft bargaining stage. The number of aircraft models is presently being determined.”
Jon Finer, Deputy White House National security advisor, said that the US would “very carefully” discuss the idea of supplying jets to Ukraine, whereas Germany has altogether negated the idea of sending jets.
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