By John Q. Hosedrinker 
President Zelenskyy stated that Ukraine is solely employing its own domestically produced long-range weapons to strike targets within Russian territory. This statement was made in response to inquiries regarding Western media reports, specifically one from The Wall Street Journal, suggesting the US had imposed restrictions on the use of ATACMS missiles. Zelenskyy indicated that such limitations are not currently a topic of discussion with the United States, contrasting with past instances where discussions regarding retaliatory strikes were more prevalent. This is a shift from previous practice.
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Zelenskyy: Ukraine does not need US permission to strike Russia. This is a pretty clear and straightforward concept, isn’t it? A sovereign nation, fighting for its very existence, shouldn’t have to ask anyone, especially a supposed ally, for permission to defend itself, including striking back at its aggressor. It’s a matter of national sovereignty and the right to self-defense, plain and simple.
Zelenskyy: Ukraine does not need US permission to strike Russia, even though the reality is a bit more complicated. Ukraine needs the weapons and the intelligence that the US provides. It’s a delicate dance of maintaining a strong defensive posture while also not completely alienating the key source of support. The US, in turn, has leverage. It can, and potentially might, cut off the flow of arms if Ukraine were to act in a way that Washington disapproves of.
Zelenskyy: Ukraine does not need US permission to strike Russia but the optics of this are important and the previous administration really complicates things. The Trump administration, for example, seems to have a soft spot for Putin. There is a very real fear that any action seen as aggressive towards Russia would be met with disapproval, and potentially even a reduction in support, if Trump were in power. This creates an uncomfortable situation where Ukraine’s strategic decisions are intertwined with the political whims of its allies.
Zelenskyy: Ukraine does not need US permission to strike Russia, yet there’s an underlying understanding of the political minefield surrounding this conflict. Striking deep inside Russia has the potential to escalate the situation, which many in the US – and in the world – would like to avoid. It’s a balance between defending their territory and causing any further escalation.
Zelenskyy: Ukraine does not need US permission to strike Russia, which is a sentiment that many people seem to embrace. There’s a sense of outrage at the very idea that Ukraine should have to ask permission to defend itself. It’s a fight for survival, and the concept of being constrained by the limitations imposed by others doesn’t sit well with those supporting the Ukrainian cause. There is also a clear indication that many Americans are more concerned with protecting American interests than with the Ukrainian situation, and that is obviously creating tension.
Zelenskyy: Ukraine does not need US permission to strike Russia, and there’s a prevailing sentiment that Ukraine’s growing military capabilities are starting to lessen the reliance on the US. The development of their own long-range strike technologies, particularly drones, means the US’s leverage is waning. The less Ukraine relies on US-supplied systems, the more independent it becomes.
Zelenskyy: Ukraine does not need US permission to strike Russia but a pragmatic voice points out the inherent dependence. While in principle, Ukraine shouldn’t need anyone’s permission, the fact is, they need the American weapons. The US supplies much of the equipment, and in some cases, the intelligence that makes these strikes possible.
Zelenskyy: Ukraine does not need US permission to strike Russia, and there is a concern over Trump’s influence. There is a worry that Trump would use a strike, or even the suggestion of a strike, as an excuse to reduce support for Ukraine. Trump’s history and his stance towards Russia and Putin feed this anxiety. There is an underlying assumption that Trump is far more comfortable with Putin than Zelenskyy, and that this would influence any decision.
Zelenskyy: Ukraine does not need US permission to strike Russia, yet, the idea of doing it without saying anything could have been the better option. Publicly announcing intentions potentially provokes a reaction. Some suggest that a stealthier approach, where strikes are carried out without explicit announcements, gives the US administration some cover. This would allow them to maintain plausible deniability while still supporting Ukraine’s self-defense.
Zelenskyy: Ukraine does not need US permission to strike Russia and even if they did, Washington might well disapprove. A world where the US wants obedient vassals, and not countries that make their own decisions, does not bode well for the sovereignty of Ukraine. The US has increasingly shown itself to be on the side of the enemy.
Zelenskyy: Ukraine does not need US permission to strike Russia, and the need for that permission reveals a deeper truth. The US may be selling weapons to Europe, but the question of how Europe will use them is no longer really the US’s business. The war has changed the balance of power.
Zelenskyy: Ukraine does not need US permission to strike Russia, and the debate also highlights the frustration with the way the war has been handled. The feeling is that the early restraint, designed to avoid escalation, has only allowed Putin to gain ground. The “half measures” approach is seen by some as a failure. War is war, and when it begins, there should be no holding back.
Zelenskyy: Ukraine does not need US permission to strike Russia; the frustration seems to be that Ukraine still needs US intelligence for targeting. It is an uncomfortable truth that points out the complexities of modern warfare. It’s an oxymoron for some, but that is still the reality for Ukraine.
Zelenskyy: Ukraine does not need US permission to strike Russia and the feeling is, that it’s a good thing. The overall sentiment is that this type of courage will lead to success. There’s a definite desire to see Ukraine stand up to any pressure from the US.
Zelenskyy: Ukraine does not need US permission to strike Russia and the fact that some Americans would not support it is a disappointment. The underlying need for US support remains, as does the worry that some critical backing might disappear. The implication being, without that support, Ukraine might be in real trouble.