Zelensky: No Authorization to Use Long-Range Missiles Against Russia

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky emphasized that he has not yet received "authorization" from Washington and London to use long-range missiles against Russia, fearing it would "escalate" the situation.

Speaking to journalists on Friday evening, Zelensky stated, "The United States and the United Kingdom have not granted us permission to use these weapons on Russian territory," which is why Kyiv will refrain from doing so. He added, "I think they are afraid of escalation."

Ukraine has been seeking permission to strike deeper into Russian territory with long-range missiles, but Western leaders, particularly U.S. President Joe Biden, are concerned about Russia's potential response.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has warned that such a decision would mean that "NATO member countries are in conflict with Russia."

On the other hand, Zelensky reported that military aid has "accelerated" since the beginning of September, as his forces continue to fight to slow down Russian advances in the east of the country. He added, "We are pleased and feel the impact of this support."

Delays in delivering Western aid, driven by political divisions, have left Ukraine's military short on ammunition and weapons. Ukraine remains heavily reliant on its allies to confront a larger and better-equipped Russian army.

In contrast, Zelensky criticized the peace initiative proposed by China and Brazil earlier this year. He said, "I don’t think it’s a real plan because I don’t see any specific actions or steps, just generalized measures. Generalizations always hide something."

China and Brazil had reiterated their support for "holding an international peace conference at an appropriate time, one that both Russia and Ukraine agree to, with equal participation from all sides and fair discussions of all peace plans."

Meanwhile, Serhiy Lysak, the governor of Kryvyi Rih in central Ukraine, reported on Saturday that a Russian missile strike on the city last night killed a 12-year-old boy and two women. He stated that three others were moderately injured and taken to the hospital. The women were aged 75 and 79. Lysak also noted that two buildings were destroyed, and 20 others were damaged.

Kryvyi Rih, located about 65 kilometers from the nearest Russian-controlled area, is a major steel-producing city that frequently comes under air raids.

In a related development, Kharkiv Mayor Ihor Terekhov reported that Russian forces launched three strikes on Kharkiv, Ukraine’s second-largest city, on Friday, injuring 14 people, including three children.

In response, Russia announced it had shot down 101 Ukrainian drones over its territory overnight, according to the Russian Ministry of Defense. No casualties were reported, and the damage was minimal.

The Russian Ministry of Defense stated on Telegram, "Air defense systems intercepted and destroyed 101 Ukrainian drones." Fifty-three of them were shot down over the Bryansk region, where the governor reported no damage or injuries.

Eighteen drones were shot down over the city of Krasnodar, near the Black Sea's Crimean Peninsula, which Russia annexed in 2014.

Krasnodar Governor Veniamin Kondratyev said that falling drone debris "caused a fire that spread to explosive objects" in the Tikhoretsk area. He added on Telegram that residents were evacuated, but no injuries were reported.

Levant - Agencies