Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed a more optimistic stance regarding potential US authorization for long-range strikes on Russian territory, reports European Pravda.

Western nations, including the US and UK, continue to restrict the use of their long-range weapons like ATACMS and Storm Shadow missiles to prevent deep strikes inside Russia. Meanwhile, Russia continues to target residential areas and civilian infrastructure in Ukraine, frequently using gliding bombs and missiles launched from aircraft stationed at airfields beyond the range allowed by the US for strikes inside Russia with US-supplied weapons.

In an interview with Fox News following a meeting with US presidential candidate Donald Trump, Zelenskyy said, “I am more positive about it, but we’ll see, you know, it’s not up to us at the moment.”

The Ukrainian leader emphasized that Americans must understand Ukraine’s intention to use such weapons solely against military targets.

During the Ukrainian delegation’s recent US visit, President Zelenskyy presented the victory plan to a range of high-profile American top officials. The plan reportedly focuses on acquiring more weapons and lifting restrictions on long-range missile use.

Serhiy Nikiforov, the presidential spokesperson, revealed that American officials showed “huge interest” in the victory plan during the Ukrainian delegation’s visit to the United States.

The discussions about expanding Ukraine’s strike capabilities come against the backdrop of escalating nuclear rhetoric from Russia. Russian President Vladimir Putin announced on 25 September plans to broaden the conditions under which Russia would consider using nuclear weapons.

In response to Putin’s statements, the European Union affirmed that new nuclear threats from Russia would not alter the EU’s position on continuing support for Ukraine.

The UK’s Foreign Secretary suggested that a decision on lifting restrictions for Ukraine to use Western long-range weapons against military targets on Russian territory “could be made” before winter begins.

Read also:

• Norway considers border fence with Russia to ehance security amid fears of refugee influx
• West must draw its own red lines for Russia, urges veteran German diplomat
• 68,000 women serve in Ukrainian military, 5,000 in combat zones