Ukraine "Discusses Long-Range Missile Support with Allies"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Yoo Hyun-seok] Overseas media reported on the 28th (local time) that Ukraine is discussing long-range missile support plans with its allies.

Mikhail Podolyak, an advisor to the President of Ukraine, stated this in an interview with Ukraine Free Broadcasting, a broadcaster operating for the reintegration of temporarily Russian-occupied areas such as Donbas and the Crimean Peninsula.

Advisor Podolyak said, "To drastically reduce the cannons used at the front lines, which are Russia's key weapons, we need long-range missiles capable of destroying Russia's arsenal," adding, "Accordingly, we are prioritizing negotiations on (long-range missile support plans), and the negotiations are progressing rapidly."

Advisor Podolyak mentioned that there are over 100 cannon warehouses in the Crimean Peninsula currently occupied by Russia. However, he did not disclose specific details of the negotiations.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky also emphasized in an evening video speech that long-range missiles are necessary to preemptively block Russian military attacks on Ukrainian cities and civilians.

President Zelensky said, "We need long-range missiles," explaining, "to prevent Russian occupying forces from deploying missile launchers far from the front lines and destroying Ukrainian cities."

President Zelensky specifically mentioned the need for the US-made long-range missile ATACMS, which has a range of 297 km.

The United States has so far rejected Ukraine's request, citing concerns that if Ukraine uses the US ATACMS to attack Russian territory, the US and NATO forces could be drawn into the war.