What's happened
Ukrainian President Zelenskyy is urging Western allies to provide long-range weapons to counter Russian aggression. As EU foreign ministers meet to discuss support for Ukraine, Zelenskyy emphasizes the need for military strength to achieve true peace. The situation remains tense as discussions on NATO membership and military aid continue.
Why it matters
What the papers say
According to Politico, President Zelenskyy is advocating for greater military support from Western allies, stating, "True peace can only be achieved through strength." This sentiment is echoed in discussions among EU foreign ministers, who are considering Zelenskyy's victory plan and the unblocking of EU funding, which has faced delays due to Hungary's objections. The New York Times highlights the urgency of NATO membership for Ukraine, emphasizing that without it, the nation remains vulnerable to Russian aggression. Meanwhile, The Mirror reports on the legal discussions surrounding Ukraine's potential use of Storm Shadow missiles against Russian targets, noting that while legally permissible, the decision ultimately rests with individual allies. These contrasting views illustrate the complexities of international support for Ukraine as it navigates its defense strategy and diplomatic relations.
How we got here
The ongoing conflict in Ukraine has escalated since Russia's invasion in February 2022. Ukraine has consistently sought military support from Western allies to defend its sovereignty and has expressed a desire for NATO membership to ensure long-term security against Russian threats.
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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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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