Zelenskyy announces talks with partners to authorize strikes on Russian airfields

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy (photo: Vitalii Nosach, RBC-Ukraine)

In the coming weeks, Ukraine will talk to its partners, including the United States, to get permission to retaliate against Russian airfields, says Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

"Today, another Russian guided missile hit Kharkiv. A postal terminal, an ordinary civilian facility, was hit. As of this moment, we know about ten wounded. All are being provided with the necessary assistance. Unfortunately, one person died. My condolences to all the families," the president said.

Zelenskyy noted that air bombs are "one of the key foundations of Putin's ability to fight." In his opinion, the sooner Ukraine receives permission to destroy Russian aircraft, the sooner peace will come. He also emphasized that "in defending the Kharkiv region from the Russian offensive, we proved that the determination of our partners really helps."

"Strikes on the Russian border helped protect lives. So will further decisions - the bold decisions that must be made, that we need and that we are constantly talking about with our partners. In the coming weeks, we will continue to communicate to get the necessary decisions," Zelenskyy said.

Authorization for strikes against Russia

Since the beginning of the full-scale invasion, the Ukrainian Armed Forces have not been able to use Western weapons to strike Russia. However, after the May offensive in the Kharkiv region, Kyiv intensified its calls for the West to grant this right.

At the end of May, after support from a number of NATO countries, the White House gave Ukraine the green light with certain restrictions. The United States authorized strikes against Russian troops and positions along the border but has not yet authorized deep strikes against Russia.