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Ukraine made a new call Saturday on the West to allow it to strike deeper into Russia. A meeting between U.S. and British leaders on Friday produced no visible shift in their policy on the use of long-range weapons. The renewed appeal came as Kyiv said Russia launched more drone and artillery attacks into Ukraine overnight. Ukrainian presidential adviser Andriy Yermak called Russian terror "beginnings at weapons depots, airfields and military bases inside the Russian Federation", adding that permission to strike deep into Russia would accelerate the solution.
Ukrainian officials have repeatedly called on allies to permit the use of Western-provided long-range weapons to strike targets deep inside Russia. So far, the U.S. has authorized Kyiv to use only in a limited area on the border with Ukraine.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said over 70 Russian drones were launched into Ukraine overnight. The Ukrainian air force said 76 Russian drones were sighted, and 72 were shot down. Zelenskyy wrote on social media, "We need to boost our air defense and long-range capabilities to protect our people. We’re working on this with our partners."
Moscow warnings have continued, with Sergei Ryabkov, deputy foreign minister, saying Washington and London are pushing for poorly controlled escalation. Following Russian President Vladimir Putin’s statement that allowing long-range strikes would mean NATO’s and the U.S., are at war with Russia, Biden brushed off such comments, saying, "I don’t think much about Vladimir Putin."
Also announced on Saturday was the exchange of prisoners brokered by the United Arab Emirates. The swap included 206 prisoners on both sides, including Russians captured during Ukraine’s incursion. Zelenskyy commented, "Our people are home."
Frequently Asked Questions
Are the West and Russia already at war?
No. However, the situation can escalate if long-range missiles are used.
What prompted the renewed call for increased Russian strikes?
Russia-launched drone and artillery attacks on Ukraine overnight.
Do Ukraine and Russia have history of prisoner exchanges?
Yes, this is the 8th prisoner exchange to take place since the war began.
Conclusion
As the conflict between Russia and Ukraine continues, officials from both sides are vying for control and resolution. The recent prisoner swap is a step towards demilitarization, however, the threat of increasing military action remains. Amidst the uncertainty, our condolences go out to all those affected by the humanitarian crisis.
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