Ukrainian authorities are working on ensuring permissions to use long-range Western weapons to strike deep into Russian territory, says Andrii Yermak, head of Ukraine’s Presidential Office, according to UkrInform.
Yermak made the statements in response to questions from journalists about how close Ukraine is to receiving such approvals.
Russia launches Shahed drones and guided bombs on Ukrainian cities and villages daily. To stop this, Ukraine aims to strike Russian airports, bases, and drone and ammunition depots. However, it needs approval from its partners to carry out strikes inside Russia with Western-provided weapons.
“This is a very sensitive issue. I confirm that we are not stopping our work on this matter, which is vital to us. We are working every minute to ensure Ukraine is strong and can respond to Russian strikes on its territory. Let’s wait for the decision. The main thing is to see the results on the front lines and how Ukraine is growing its strength,” Yermak said.
He assured that Ukrainian authorities are not wasting a single day or hour, using every moment to advance Ukraine’s interests in the West.
When asked about the postponed “Ramstein” format meeting, Yermak said a new date is not yet known.
Earlier, a crucial monthly summit of Ukraine’s key military backers, the meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group, also known as Ramstein-format, scheduled for 12 October at Ramstein Air Base in Germany, was delayed following US President Joe Biden’s decision to cancel his trip to Germany.
Ukraine’s key Ramstein defense talks on hold after Biden cancels Germany trip
Biden reportedly focuses on dealing with the extreme weather situation in Florida, preparations for Hurricane Milton, and relief efforts following a hurricane last month that claimed over 200 lives.
“I still hope this meeting will occur and a date will be set soon. However, I believe we shouldn’t wait but rather use every day and every opportunity to advance Ukraine’s interests, which is exactly what President Zelenskyy and our entire team are doing,” he assured.
Earlier, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte emphasized the significance of the upcoming “Ramstein” meeting on the leadership level but noted that decisions on allowing strikes deep into Russia should come from each NATO country individually, not from as a decision from the Alliance itself.
Related:
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- Biden postpones trip to Ramstein in Germany due to hurricane threat
- Bloomberg: Scholz, Biden, Macron, and Starmer to meet on 12 Oct for crucial Ukraine talks
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