Zelensky fails to sway West to shoot down Russian missiles, again
3 Min Read
Ukraine has frequently urged its Western allies to intercept Russian missiles and drones in its airspace.
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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky speaks during his press conference on the occasion of the Russia-Ukraine war's first anniversary in Kiev, Ukraine, on February 24, 2023. (AP)
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated, on Thursday, that Kiev's efforts to persuade its Western allies to intercept Russian drones and missiles have been unsuccessful, and the likelihood of Ukraine joining NATO remains bleak.
During a press conference broadcast on social media, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky acknowledged the challenges of securing an invitation for Ukraine to join NATO, while affirming that efforts were ongoing.
He also addressed the issue of air defense, noting that although Ukraine is working with its Western allies, they have not yet agreed to intercept Russian drones and missiles.
Zelensky emphasized that Ukraine would persist in efforts to persuade its partners and follow through on the air defense agreements made at the recent NATO summit, specifically regarding the SAMP-T system.
Ukraine has frequently urged its Western allies to intercept Russian missiles and drones in its airspace. Polish Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski indicated that Poland might consider this possibility.
Ukrainian defense official calls Western allies 'infantile'
Ukrainian Deputy Minister of Defense for European Integration, Aleksandr Balanutsa, voiced frustration, on Wednesday, with Ukraine's Western backers for their reluctance to allow the use of advanced Western-supplied missiles in strikes against targets deep inside Russian territory.
Speaking at the Warsaw Security Forum, Balanutsa called out what he described as an "infantile" approach by some NATO member states, warning that unless Ukraine is fully equipped to repel Russian forces, Moscow will eventually turn its sights on NATO’s eastern flank, including the Baltic states, Poland, and Moldova.
For months, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has sought approval to use US-made ATACMS, British Storm Shadow, and French SCALP missiles to strike within Russia's internationally recognized borders.
While London and Paris have indicated a willingness to proceed, they are waiting for Washington to give the green light.
The Biden administration remains cautious, fearing that such an escalation could widen the conflict.
Read more: US to announce $375Mln 'arms package to Ukraine including cluster ammo
'We are not infants in Ukraine'
Russian President Vladimir Putin has already warned that enabling Ukraine to launch long-range strikes into Russian territory would effectively draw Western nations directly into the war, as the Ukrainian military is not capable of operating such sophisticated weaponry without external support.
During his remarks, Balanutsa challenged Western indecision, stating, "We are not infants in Ukraine, and I’m asking my partners also to wake up and grow up a little bit."
He added that if Ukraine were given the necessary weapons, it could "do the job" and ensure the safety of NATO member states, while also asserting that Ukraine's military now surpasses NATO standards.
Balanutsa's comments follow reports that the White House has not yet agreed to Ukraine's request for long-range missile capabilities, despite Zelensky's recent diplomatic efforts.
In contrast, Russia has proposed updating its nuclear doctrine to classify any non-nuclear state that acts with the support of a nuclear power as committing a "joint attack", which could trigger a nuclear response.
Read next: Explainer: the long-range weapons Ukraine wants to use against Russia
