Volodymyr Zelensky accused Britain of “slowing down” support for Ukraine and demanded the removal of “barriers” in his country’s fight against Russia.
Ukraine’s president has stepped up his campaign to ease restrictions on the use of Britain’s powerful Storm Shadow missiles, which have a range of about 155 miles.
This month, Zelensky oversaw a Ukrainian incursion into Russia’s Kursk region, which he says is aimed at creating a buffer zone to prevent further cross-border attacks by Moscow.
Britain has given the green light for weapons donated by the UK to be used on Russian soil as part of Ukraine’s self-defence.
The only exception is Storm Shadow missiles, which remain off-limits beyond Ukraine’s borders, but Zelensky said “long-range capabilities” were “vital.”
His team has said that if Britain were to relax its restrictions on the use of weapons it could “change the course of the war”.
Volodymyr Zelensky has accused Britain of “slowing down” support for Ukraine while demanding the removal of “barriers” in his country’s fight against Russia.
The Ukrainian president has stepped up his campaign to remove restrictions on the use of the UK’s powerful Storm Shadow missiles, which have a range of about 155 miles.
A Ukrainian soldier fires a Browning machine gun mounted on a Humvee military vehicle during an exercise in the Sumy region near the Russian border.
In a post on X, formerly Twitter, Mr Zelesnky said: ‘We are doing everything possible to provide our warriors with the necessary weapons and reinforcements.
‘It is crucial that our partners remove the barriers that prevent us from weakening Russian positions as this war demands.
‘Long-range capabilities are the answer to the most critical strategic questions in this war.
‘The bravery of our soldiers and the resilience of our combat brigades make up for the lack of essential decisions by our partners.
‘We could decisively deprive the occupiers of any ability to advance and cause destruction if our long-range capabilities were sufficient.’
He added: “Throughout this war, we have seen the UK demonstrate real leadership – in arms, in policy and in support of Ukrainian society.
“This has saved thousands of lives, reflecting the strength of the UK. Sadly, the situation has slowed down recently.
“We will discuss how to solve this, because long-range capabilities are vital for us. Everyone sees how effective the Ukrainians are, how our entire nation defends its independence.”
Former Conservative MP Grant Shapps, a former defence secretary, demanded that Sir Keir “urgently reassure” Zelensky of Britain’s support for Ukraine.
Posted on X: ‘The Starmer government must avoid any impression that it is not giving full support to Ukraine.
“It is important that Starmer urgently reassures President Zelensky – in words and deeds – that the UK remains steadfast in its support.”
A government spokesman said Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer remains “unwavering” in his support for Ukraine, adding that the position has not changed since Ukraine’s incursion into Russia.
They said: ‘That’s why he pledged to provide £3bn a year of support to Ukraine, for as long as it was needed, during his first week in office.
‘The delivery of further lethal aid to kyiv was also accelerated within hours of this Government being elected, bolstering the £12bn of UK support already pledged and ensuring vital military equipment reaches Ukrainian soldiers on the front line.’
Ukrainian forces have been carrying out a military incursion into Russia’s Kursk region since August 6.
The UK has pledged £12.5bn in support to Ukraine since February 2022, of which £7.6bn will be for military assistance. This includes £3bn for military assistance in 2024/25.
The new package of lethal aid for Ukraine includes a quarter of a million .50-calibre rounds of ammunition, 90 Brimstone anti-armor missiles, 50 small military vessels, 40 mine-clearing vehicles and 10 AS-90 artillery guns.
Ukrainian forces also received 61 excavators and support for AS-90s previously donated by the UK.
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