US officials and lawmakers are criticizing Russian President Vladimir Putin’s recent comments regarding a potential “war with Russia” if Nato lifted restrictions on Ukraine’s ability to launch long-range strikes into Russia. Putin’s remarks have been viewed as sabre-rattling and an attempt to intimidate Nato countries away from supporting Ukraine. US Senator Jim Risch has expressed support for Ukraine’s right to defend itself, including the authorization to strike targets deep inside Russia. While the US national security council has not made any announcements regarding lifting restrictions on Ukraine, they have their own criteria for determining what support to provide.
In contrast, Germany has announced they will not send long-range missiles to Ukraine, despite Ukraine’s request for these weapons. The UK has shown support for Ukraine’s use of British-supplied Storm Shadow missiles in their fight against Russia. Canada has also expressed full support for Ukraine’s use of long-range weaponry in their conflict with Russia.
Meanwhile, Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has met with foreign ministers from Lithuania and Poland, discussing the need to use long-range weapons against military targets in Russia. The European Commission has presented options to extend sanctions on Russia’s central bank assets to secure a loan for Ukraine. Nato has condemned a Russian missile strike on a civilian grain ship in the Black Sea, calling the attack reckless. Zelenskiy has also acknowledged the results of the Kursk offensive, stating that it has slowed Russia’s advance in eastern Ukraine.
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Photo credit www.theguardian.com
