What's happened
Ukraine's military has successfully launched a ground offensive into Russia's Kursk region, capturing significant territory. President Zelenskyy urges Western allies to lift restrictions on long-range weapons, asserting that such limitations hinder Ukraine's defense against escalating Russian attacks. The recent introduction of the domestically developed 'Palianytsia' weapon marks a pivotal moment in Ukraine's military strategy.
Why it matters
What the papers say
According to Business Insider UK, military experts believe Ukraine's recent incursions into Russia's Kursk region have been successful but could be more effective if restrictions on Western weapons were lifted. Rajan Menon from Columbia University emphasized that using long-range missiles would disrupt Russian logistics significantly. Meanwhile, The Independent highlights the Biden administration's cautious approach, suggesting that lifting restrictions could strengthen Ukraine's defense and potentially save lives. Zelenskyy's recent statements reflect a growing frustration with these limitations, asserting that they hinder Ukraine's ability to respond effectively to Russian aggression. The introduction of the 'Palianytsia' weapon, as reported by the South China Morning Post, represents a significant step in Ukraine's military capabilities, allowing for strikes deep into Russian territory without needing permission from allies.
How we got here
Ukraine's ongoing conflict with Russia has escalated since the invasion in 2022. Recent military strategies have included ground offensives and drone attacks, with Ukraine seeking to enhance its capabilities through Western support. However, restrictions on weapon usage have been a point of contention.
More on these topics
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Russia, or the Russian Federation, is a transcontinental country located in Eastern Europe and Northern Asia. Covering an area of 17,125,200 square kilometres, it is the largest country in the world by area, spanning more than one-eighth of the Earth's in
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Ukraine is a country in Eastern Europe. It is the second-largest European country after Russia, which borders it to the east and northeast.
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Volodymyr Oleksandrovych Zelenskyy is a Ukrainian politician, actor and comedian who is the 6th and current president of Ukraine, serving since May 2019.