Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has blamed the “obvious short-sightedness” of some partners for the limited range of its strikes against invading Russian forces.
His biting statement was included in a recent evening video address to express gratitude to allies that have sent military aid packages to the war-ravaged nation.
Zelensky has long requested long-range missiles from Western countries, but some allies have refused over fears that the weapons could be used to strike deep into Russian territory.
Recently, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz expressed his opposition to sending long-awaited long-range Taurus cruise missiles to Kyiv, saying the weapon “could not be used without the deployment of German soldiers.”
It also took time for the US to finally approve the transfer of the long-range Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS) to Ukraine.
Expressing Gratitude
Despite lashing out at “some” allies, Zelensky thanked supportive partners, such as the US and Denmark, for sending additional defense aid.
He also expressed gratitude to the Czech Republic and the countries that joined its initiative to buy hundreds of thousands of artillery shells for Kyiv.
Zelensky said bolstering Ukraine’s defense capabilities is crucial in determining whether Russian President Vladimir Putin will succeed in “expanding the zone of ruins in Europe.”
“It is very important that stability is restored in providing support for our defense,” he said. “Stopping him (Putin) now is in everyone’s best interest.”