The ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia has escalated once again, with Ukraine considering the use of long-range weapons to defend against attacks from Russian territory. President Zelenskyy is pushing for the deployment of missiles like the British Storm Shadows and American ATACMs to target air bases and launch sites in Russia. However, Ukraine’s Western allies are hesitant to support this strategy, as it could provoke a strong response from Moscow.
The question at the center of this debate is whether providing Ukraine with long-range weapons will cross Putin’s red line and prompt a dangerous escalation. Some believe that such a move could lead to retaliation from Russia, possibly including the supply of long-range missiles to other groups like Yemen’s Houthis. The fear of Russian backlash is causing hesitation among Western allies, despite the urgent need for Ukraine to defend itself against ongoing incursions in Donetsk and the Kursk Oblast.
It is clear that time is of the essence in this situation, as prolonged discussions and delays in providing aid to Ukraine only give Russia more opportunities to advance its goals. The Western world must apply more pressure on Putin to come to the negotiation table and prevent further escalation of the conflict. Military production capacity is also a factor to consider, as Russia may be outproducing the West in terms of weaponry.
The debate on whether to arm Ukraine with long-range weapons highlights the deep divisions among Western allies and the challenges in coordinating a unified response. Some allies are hesitant to support Ukraine due to domestic political considerations, while others advocate for a more aggressive approach. The risk of Russian retaliation, potentially including the use of tactical nuclear weapons, adds another layer of complexity to the situation.
Overall, the decision to provide Ukraine with long-range weapons must be made carefully, with a clear strategic objective in mind. The urgency of the situation calls for swift action and a united front from Western allies to ensure the safety and security of Ukraine in the face of Russian aggression.
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Video “Long-range weapons for Ukraine: Putin’s red line? | To the Point” was uploaded on 09/19/2024 to Youtube Channel DW News