Ukraine’s call for long-range weapons grows louder as President Zelenskyy awaits Trump’s decision, highlighting four key reasons why the delivery of these systems could change the war’s outcome. Image: BBC.News,
(The Post News)– Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy awaits U.S. President Donald Trump for a vital decision that could alter the trajectory of the ongoing war in Ukraine. During a joint press briefing in Kyiv with Finnish President Alexander Stubb, Zelenskyy revealed that last year he had requested Trump to supply Ukraine with long-range weapons. The request was made under the condition that Russia would continue to reject a ceasefire, which it has done repeatedly.
Despite Zelenskyy’s plea, the U.S. has not yet provided such weapons, leaving Ukraine to develop its own long-range systems. Moscow’s forces continue attempting to capture territory in eastern Ukraine more than three and a half years after the full-scale invasion began. Nightly waves of drone and missile strikes continue to batter Ukrainian cities, intensifying Kyiv’s calls for urgent international support.
Long-Range Weapons Could Shift the Battlefield for Zelenskyy
Zelenskyy believes that long-range weapons could disrupt Russian supply lines deep behind enemy lines. Ukrainian officials argue that precision strikes on ammunition depots, air bases, and command centers could severely weaken Moscow’s offensive capabilities. According to Kyiv, this step is not just about gaining an edge; it is about survival. “If we can hit them where it hurts most, we can defend our cities and save lives,” Zelenskyy said during the briefing.
If Trump approves, Ukraine would be able to stop Russian advances—long-range weapons could halt Russia’s slow but steady territorial gains in eastern Ukraine and reduce Russia’s ability to launch missile strikes, saving thousands of lives. While a stronger military position could force Moscow to consider peace talks more seriously, the delivery of advanced weapons would raise the spirits of Ukrainian troops and civilians who have endured years of war.
While the U.S. decision is pending, Ukraine has ramped up production of its own long-range strike systems. Officials say these domestically developed systems have already been used successfully in several operations targeting Russian airfields. This innovation shows that Ukraine is not simply waiting passively. Instead, Kyiv is using every available tool to resist Moscow’s aggression. Internal resources, such as Ukraine’s Ministry of Defence updates, provide regular insight into these advancements.
Biden Administration Previously Approved Zelenskyy’s Long-Range Weapons Request
Former President Joe Biden had finally granted Ukraine’s request to target deeper within Russia to undermine Moscow’s military, with just two months remaining in his term. The missiles were likely to be employed, according to U.S. sources, mainly against combined North Korean and Russian troops in the area that Ukraine has seized in the southern Russian region of Kursk. The goal of Ukraine’s invasion of Kursk was to seize Russian territory so that it would have leverage in peace talks.
This authorization came after Ukraine suffered severe military setbacks on the front lines for several months. Due to a shortage of troops, Ukraine had resorted to relocating troops to fortify war zones, leaving the evacuated areas vulnerable to possible dangers. Meanwhile, Russia had advanced the most since the start of the war, advancing a mile every day in the southern Donetsk region.
However, the imminence of Trump’s January inauguration jeopardized Ukraine’s capacity to launch more aggressive operations. It was unclear how aspects of the Biden administration’s approach to Ukraine, particularly the most recent modification, would hold up under Trump’s leadership. While pro-Kremlin commentators characterized the policy change as a political move meant to restrict Trump’s options in discussions, American officials and analysts did not believe that it would materially change the course of the war.
International Support Beyond the U.S.
The European Union and NATO partners have provided significant assistance, but Ukraine insists that U.S. long-range weapons would be a game-changer. Finnish President Alexander Stubb reiterated his country’s support for Kyiv, stating that Europe must stand with Ukraine for as long as it takes.
As the world watches, Zelenskyy waits for Trump’s decision not only for himself but also for a signal of continued U.S. commitment to Ukraine’s sovereignty. With each passing day, the decision becomes more urgent. Delivering long-range weapons could tip the balance, forcing Russia to reconsider its strategy and opening a potential path to negotiations. Failure to act, however, risks prolonging a war that has already claimed countless lives.
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