With two months left in office, US President Joe Biden has reportedly allowed Ukraine to use long-range missiles to strike deep into Russia on Sunday. According to the New York Times, US missiles such as Army Tactical Missile Systems or ATACMS, could be used to strike western Russia’s Kursk region to protect Ukrainian security forces against attacks from both Russian and North Korean forces.
This significant move comes two months before President-elect Donald Trump is set to assume office in January. Trump had earlier called for an end to the ongoing war in a statement. Officials told the New York Times that Biden’s decision aligns with Russia’s surprise move to involve North Korean troops in the conflict. However, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has not yet confirmed the approval to strike.
‘Strikes Are Not…’: Zelensky Reacts
In a social media post, Zelensky thanked the partners who supported the country with air defense systems and missiles. He said, “The plan for strengthening Ukraine is the Victory Plan that I presented to our partners. One of its key elements is providing our army with long-range capabilities. There’s been much said in the media today that we have received approval to take relative actions. But strikes are not carried out with words. These things are not announced. The missiles will speak for themselves.
During an interview with public broadcaster Suspilne, Zelensky discussed US-Ukraine relations. He also reflected on the past discussions he held with Donald Trump regarding the ongoing conflict, which began in 2022.
Zelenskyy Says ‘We Are In Negotiations With the US’
In his address, Zelenskyy clarified, “We are an independent country. And we, during this war, both our people and I, personally, are in negotiations with the United States, with both Trump and Biden and with European leaders, proved that the ‘sit and listen’ rhetoric doesn’t work with us.”
Zelensky Condemns Latest Russian Strike
This morning, Zelensky condemned one of the largest Russian strikes on Ukraine. In a social media post, he wrote, “210 missiles and drones, including aeroballistic and hypersonic missiles, as well as dozens of Shahed drones, were launched today. They targeted civilian infrastructure and critical facilities like power plants and transformers.
Zelensky emphasized that Russian President Vladimir Putin drowns the world in his rhetoric, his true message is written in destruction and death, delivered through every missile and drone Russia sends.
Reflecting on the ongoing G20 world leaders meeting taking place these days, Zelensky pointed out that the entire world needs them not to turn a blind eye to Russia’s continued terror. He wrote, “Only when the world reacts decisively can the situation change. Russia has involved North Korea in its war—and the reaction has been weak. Russia has continued its terror for nearly 1,000 days—and the world’s decisions are still delayed.
He reminded the world of the critical situation at hand, stating, “The time to act is now. The G20 cannot afford weakness or indifference. It must rise decisively to this challenge.”
This morning began with one of the largest Russian strikes on Ukraine. 210 missiles and drones, including aeroballistic and hypersonic missiles, as well as dozens of Shahed drones, were launched. All of them targeted civilian infrastructure—critical facilities like power plants… pic.twitter.com/PriNcqjJ8C
— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) November 17, 2024
Early on November 16, Russian President Vladimir Putin wrote on X, asking “What is Biden Doing?”
Current Version
Nov 18, 2024 08:54
Written By
Sheetal Prasad