Zelensky criticizes UK government, urges 'bold decisions' from West
4 Min Read
The Ukrainian president openly blasted the UK for slowing down aid to Ukraine, emphasizing the need for long-range capabilities.
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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy speaks during his press conference on the occasion of the Russia-Ukraine war first anniversary in Kiev, Ukraine, February 24, 2023. (AP)
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky openly criticized the UK government, asserting that it once displayed "real leadership" but is now falling behind, while declaring that his administration urges his Western alliance to take "bold steps" in supporting Kiev's war efforts amid its war with Russia.
“In particular, we have seen throughout this war that the United Kingdom has shown real leadership. In weaponry, in politics, and in supporting the life of Ukrainian society… This is what reflects the strength of the United Kingdom,” Zelensky stated during his daily address on Friday.
"But now, unfortunately, the situation has slowed down. We will discuss how to fix this. Because long-range capabilities are a matter of principle for us," Zelensky continued as he blasted the UK.
"We will insist on the need for bold steps, bold decisions. We need things that truly change the course of the war, leading it to a just peace,” the Ukrainian leader said, referring to his peace formula that has been described by Russia as being "detached from reality."
Western allies limit Ukraine's 'long-range capabilities'
The US, UK, France, and several other Western allies have supported Ukraine both militarily and financially since February 2022.
During his daily address, Zelensky expressed the objective to "fix" Ukraine's limited "long-range capabilities," a restriction imposed by the country's allies.
“The long-range capabilities of our forces are the answer to all the most important, to all the most strategic issues of this war,” Zelensky said, pledging to “intensify our diplomatic work” with the US, UK, France, and “other partners” to dismantle any barriers.
Ukraine launched an offensive in the Kursk region of Russia on August 6, losing more than 2,800 service people and 41 tanks. Most of the weapons used by Ukraine are generally funded or provided by the NATO alliance.
Some Ukrainian troops were trained by British military specialists in preparation for the operation, the Times reported, and Sky News shared that Ukrainian forces were reportedly using British Challenger 2 tanks in the Kursk region.
Despite the UK's military provision, the government refused to allow Ukraine to use Storm Shadow missiles during the incursion since it was supplied by the UK for the “defense of their sovereign country,” Defense Secretary John Healy stated, asserting that this “does not preclude them hitting targets in Russia.
The Ukrainian forces have repeatedly used long-range missiles provided by their Western allies to conduct indiscriminate attacks on Russia who have reiterated that their policies allow Kiev to use Storm Shadows and other long-range missiles to target any regions claimed by the former Soviet nation, such as Crimea, but not “internationally recognized” Russian territory.
This week, a Pentagon spokesperson reaffirmed that the US has not authorized Ukraine to use long-range missiles for deep strikes within Russia.
Russia vows harsh response if Ukraine attacks Kursk nuclear plant
According to NBC, Kiev had been planning an incursion-style attack on Russia similar to the one currently happening in the Kursk Region for some time, citing an anonymous top Ukrainian government advisor.
According to the advisor, whose remarks were reported by the US broadcaster in a piece on Friday, the concept of an incursion into Russia has been "on the table for more than a year" in Kiev.
The operation's purpose was to deflect Russian attention away from other sectors of the frontline, particularly Donbass, where Moscow's soldiers had been gradually advancing since the beginning of the year, he explained.
As per the article, “The question now is how long Ukraine wants to — and can — hold onto it [area under its control in Kursk Region] without sacrificing more of its own eastern heartland."
Major-General Apty Alaudinov, head of Russia's Chechen Republic's Akhmat Special Forces, stated earlier that the Russian military's information indicates that the ultimate goal of the Ukrainian incursion was to take the Kursk nuclear power plant. Kiev believed its soldiers would be able to do this by August 11, he stated.
Alaudinov explained that “this blitzkrieg by [Ukrainian leader Volodymyr] Zelensky, which was supposed to see the seizure of the nuclear power plant in Kurchatov and the start of negotiations with an ultimatum for us [Russia] to leave some places or to do something, has failed."
