Zelensky leaves US without deal to strike Russia with long-range missiles

Volodymyr Zelensky, the President of Ukraine, will conclude his visit to the United States without authorization to employ Western long-range missiles to attack Russian military targets deep inside Russia. During his visit to the White House, Zelenskyy spoke with President Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris, requesting that the US lift restrictions on the use of Storm Shadow and ATACMS missiles. The proposal was denied, but the Biden administration reiterated its continued support for Ukraine.

Western nations have so far permitted Kyiv to employ the missiles exclusively to target Russian forces in border areas, but Kyiv argued it needs to be able to attack Russia deep inside its territory in order to save the lives of Ukrainian citizens, The Times reported.

Despite the rejection, the Ukrainian president did not leave empty-handed. The Biden administration announced another multi-billion military aid package for Ukraine, this time gifting the wartorn country $8 billion. The package includes the first shipment of JSOW high-precision gliding bombs capable of striking the Russian military from as far as 70 miles. They are designed to be fired from F-16 warplanes.

"Russia will not prevail. Ukraine will prevail and we'll continue to stand by you every step of the way," Biden said after his meeting with the Ukrainian president in the Oval Office.

During his visit to the nation's capitol, Zelensky also engaged in a conversation with US senators, including Republican Lindsey Graham, who endorsed the request for Ukraine to be granted authorization to use long-range missiles. Additionally, the president of Ukraine endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris's presidential campaign while in the US, and later met with GOP nominee former President Donald Trump.