During the annual Ambrosetti Forum, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed his regret that Ukraine lacks the capability to launch strikes on Russian territory, specifically the Kremlin. His remarks came amid ongoing discussions about Ukraine’s need for long-range weapons to counter Russia’s aggression. “When someone fears that we might hit the Kremlin, I feel sorry that we don’t have that ability,” Zelensky stated.
Why Ukraine cannot strike the Kremlin?
The President explained that the long-range weapons available to Ukraine, or those that its allies might provide, have a limited range of approximately 200 kilometers. This distance prevents Ukrainian forces from targeting key Russian facilities, many of which are far beyond the country’s borders.
However, Zelensky highlighted that Ukraine is actively developing its own drones and missiles in an effort to gradually bring the war back to Russian territory. He noted that this would be a crucial step in increasing pressure on Russian President Vladimir Putin, forcing him to seek peace.
Why does Ukraine need long-range missiles?
A central theme of Zelensky’s address was the necessity of long-range weaponry for Ukraine. He emphasized that Russian aircraft launch strikes on Ukraine from military airfields located between 100 and 300 kilometers from the border. This makes it crucial for Kyiv to acquire weapons capable of reaching these airbases and neutralizing the aerial threat.
Zelensky assured the international community that Ukraine has no intention of targeting civilian infrastructure in Russia. “We intend to use these weapons solely against military targets, particularly airfields used to attack Ukraine,” he stressed.
Conclusion
Zelensky’s statements at the Ambrosetti Forum underscore the importance of international support for Ukraine’s efforts in defending its territory against Russian aggression. The development of domestic technology, such as drones and missiles, signals that Kyiv is preparing for a prolonged conflict and is doing everything possible to shift the war onto Russian soil.
The Ukrainian president also emphasized that Ukraine’s ultimate goal is peace. However, achieving it requires creating conditions that will force Russia to pursue diplomatic solutions. This will not be possible without the necessary weapons to protect Ukrainian cities and respond to enemy attacks.
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