“We want Ukraine to win. And we are fully committed to providing the help it needs so that its brave soldiers and citizens can achieve just that.” With these words, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken hinted during his visit to Kyiv on Wednesday what those in charge in Ukraine have long been demanding: permission from the West to lift restrictions on the use of long-range weapons – and to be able to use the missiles to attack targets deep in the Russian hinterland.
US President Joe Biden has so far refused to lift the restrictions and pointed to the need to avoid escalation. Biden’s overarching goal was to prevent a military conflict between Russia and NATO. The meeting between British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and US President Joe Biden on Friday was therefore eagerly awaited to see whether approval for the Ukrainian use of Western missiles could be given.
- HONEY: Explosive meeting: USA shows restraint
But on Friday the US position on the matter sounded cautious again. “I would not expect an announcement today about the use of long-range weapons within Russia – certainly not from the US,” said National Security Council Communications Director John Kirby on Friday. There was no change in the US government’s position, Kirby said. When asked whether Ukraine even needed US permission, Kirby said only that they were continuing to talk with Britain and France and other allies about “the type of capabilities that will be made available to Ukraine.”
“NATO at war with Russia”
According to President Vladimir Putin, allowing the use of long-range weapons would mean that NATO was “at war” with Russia. “This would significantly change the nature of the conflict. It would mean that NATO countries, the United States, European countries are at war with Russia,” Putin said on Thursday.
The talks between Starmer and Biden in Washington were still ongoing at the time of going to press. According to a report in the Guardian, which cites government sources, Britain has already made a decision to this effect. However, this was not to be made public before the meeting in the White House.
From Ukraine’s perspective, the fear of escalation among its western partners has so far prevented Ukraine from defending itself effectively against the Russian aggressor. The occupation of border areas in the Russian region of Kursk is proof that this fear was unfounded or exaggerated. “Escalation is one of the factors we are keeping an eye on, but it is certainly not the only factor,” said the US Secretary of State during his visit to Kyiv.
If the US and Great Britain abandon the restrictions on long-range weapons, the pressure on German Chancellor Olaf Scholz (SPD) to approve the delivery of Taurus cruise missiles is likely to increase. However, experts expect that Scholz will not back down from his “no”.
Western weapons systems
- ATACMS: The ATACMS (Army TACtical Missile System) desired by Ukraine for use in the Russian hinterland are short-range ballistic missiles made in the USA. ATACMS has a range of 300 kilometers.
- Storm Shadow bzw. SCALP-EG is a cruise missile developed by Great Britain and France. The missile, which uses stealth technology, is accelerated to Mach 0.8 (988 km/h) by a turbojet engine. Navigation is carried out via an internal inertial navigation system and a global navigation satellite system. The Storm Shadow approaches its target area in low-level flight at an altitude of 30 to 40 meters. Range: approximately 560 kilometers.
- Taurus: The Taurus (Latin for “bull”) is a German-Swedish air-to-surface cruise missile.
Speed: up to Mach 0.95 (1173 km/h). Range: 500 kilometers
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What are the implications of the US and UK lifting restrictions on long-range weapons for Ukraine?
US and UK Consider Lifting Restrictions on Long-Range Weapons for Ukraine
The ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia has led to increased discussions about the potential provision of long-range weapons to Ukraine by Western countries. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken’s recent visit to Kyiv hinted at a possible shift in the US position on the matter, with Blinken stating that the US is “fully committed” to providing Ukraine with the help it needs to win.
However, the US has so far refused to lift restrictions on the use of long-range weapons, citing concerns about escalation. This stance has been echoed by other Western countries, including Germany, which has been hesitant to approve the delivery of Taurus cruise missiles to Ukraine.
Concerns about Escalation
Russian President Vladimir Putin has warned that allowing Ukraine to use long-range weapons would mean that NATO is “at war” with Russia. This has led to caution among Western leaders, who are reluctant to take any actions that could be seen as provocative.
However, Ukraine has long argued that the fear of escalation is unfounded, and that the restrictions on long-range weapons are preventing them from defending themselves effectively against Russian aggression. The occupation of border areas in the Russian region of Kursk is seen as proof that this fear is exaggerated.
Possible Approval of Western Weapons Systems
Despite the caution, there are signs that the US and UK may be willing to reconsider their position on long-range weapons. A report in the Guardian suggests that the UK has already made a decision to allow Ukraine to use long-range weapons, although this has not been publicly announced.
The weapons systems in question include the US-made AT
What are the potential consequences of the West lifting restrictions on long-range weapons for Ukraine?
The West’s Dilemma: Lifting Restrictions on Long-Range Weapons for Ukraine
In a recent visit to Kyiv, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken hinted at a significant shift in the West’s stance on supporting Ukraine in its conflict with Russia. Blinken’s words, “We want Ukraine to win… and we are fully committed to providing the help it needs,” suggest that the US may be willing to lift restrictions on the use of long-range weapons, allowing Ukraine to attack targets deep within Russian territory. This move has been long demanded by Ukraine, but has been met with caution by US President Joe Biden, who has sought to avoid escalating the conflict into a military confrontation between Russia and NATO.
NATO at War with Russia?
Russian President Vladimir Putin has warned that allowing Ukraine to use long-range weapons would mean that NATO is “at war” with Russia. Putin’s statement highlights the delicate balance between supporting Ukraine and avoiding a broader conflict. The Russian President believes that such a move would significantly change the nature of the conflict, drawing NATO countries, including the US and European nations, into a direct war with Russia.
Western Weapons Systems
The West has been providing Ukraine with military aid, including Western weapons systems, but has so far refrained from lifting restrictions on long-range weapons. Ukraine has been pushing for permission to use these weapons to defend itself against Russian aggression, but Western concerns about escalation have held back such a move.
Implications of Lifting Restrictions
The implications of the US and UK lifting restrictions on long-range weapons for Ukraine are far-reaching. It would allow Ukraine to target Russian military installations and infrastructure deep within Russian territory, potentially changing the dynamics of the conflict. However, it also risks drawing NATO countries into a direct conflict with Russia, escalating the situation further.
US Position Remains Cautious
Despite Blinken’s comments, the US position on lifting restrictions on long-range weapons remains cautious. National Security Council Communications Director John Kirby reiterated on Friday that there has been no change in the US government’s position, and that the US is still discussing the matter with its allies. The meeting between British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and US President Joe Biden was seen as crucial in determining whether approval for the Ukrainian use of Western missiles would be given, but no announcement was made.
The Ongoing Debate
The debate surrounding the provision of long-range weapons to Ukraine is ongoing, with Ukraine pushing for greater support and the West weighing the risks of escalation. As the conflict continues, the West’s response will be crucial in shaping its outcome. Will the West ultimately decide to lift restrictions and allow Ukraine to defend itself more effectively, or will concerns about escalation hold back such a move? Only time will tell.
Keywords: Ukraine, Russia, long-range weapons, NATO, US, UK, Joe Biden, Antony Blinken, Vladimir Putin, Kyiv, Kursk.
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