Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is currently visiting the United States to meet with President Joe Biden and key presidential candidates Kamala Harris and Donald Trump.
Publicly Criticized Western Hesitance
A primary focus of the discussions will be the potential use of long-range Western missiles against targets within Russia.
Experts warn that even with Washington's approval, the impact of these missiles may be significantly more limited than it would have been a year ago when Ukraine first received ATACMS and Storm Shadow missiles.
Zelensky’s direct diplomatic approach with allies and Russia's rhetoric, suggesting that lifting missile use restrictions could lead to a NATO conflict, has made this topic crucial in determining Western support for Ukraine, according to Digi24.
Following a Russian missile attack on a military training facility in Poltava that killed over 50 people, Zelensky publicly criticized the hesitance of his allies, warning that every day of delay results in more casualties.
Moved 90% of Aircraft
Recent intelligence indicates that Russia has moved at least 90% of its aircraft capable of launching glide bombs over 186 miles away from Ukrainian territory.
This strategic relocation is a response to fears of potential strikes from long-range missiles like ATACMS. While experts acknowledge that Storm Shadow missiles could still effectively target military centers and ammunition depots, the loss of immediate targets diminishes their potential battlefield impact.
Zelensky's assertive strategy could yield significant political gains if successful, showcasing solid international support for Ukraine and countering Russian rhetoric.
However, opinions remain divided on the actual combat effectiveness of long-range missile deployment against Russian assets, especially given the relocation of key military aircraft.
