The risk of losing forced Ukraine’s partners to reconsider the policy of missile strikes on the Russian Federation: Politico
The risk that Ukraine may suffer serious losses this winter has forced Washington and London to reconsider their position on Kiev’s use of Western long-range missiles. However, how writes Politico, U.S. still fears escalation of conflict stalls decision-making on strikes on Russian military targets.
Ukrainian nuclear power plants are under increasing threat, the publication notes. Currently, Washington is not ready to completely lift the ban on Ukraine’s use of American missiles to strike Russian airfields. However, the possibility of lifting restrictions on Britain’s Storm Shadow missiles, which are based on American technology, remains open.
Former US ambassador to NATO, Kurt Volker, called on the Biden administration to take a clearer position that would allow Ukraine to strike Russian military facilities. According to him, Russia is striking Ukraine from its own territory, and there is no reason for these objects to remain untouched. At the same time, Walker said that he does not expect the US to allow the use of ATACMS missiles to attack Russian bases, even if the UK gives permission to use its Storm Shadows.
“Under the crosshairs are the key substations that supply high-voltage electricity to the Ukrainian nuclear power plants in Rivne, Khmelnytskyi and Yuzhno-Ukrainian in the south of Ukraine, which are still functioning”, – explained energy expert Mykhailo Gonchar.
According to him, disabling these power plants could paralyze the country’s energy system, which would have devastating consequences for its economy and military capabilities.
As Politico points out, Ukrainian officials have expressed concern that it was the possibility of such an energy disaster that prompted the Biden administration to reconsider its restrictions on the use of ATACMS and Storm Shadow missiles. They hope that the threat of an energy collapse will eventually force Washington to lift its reservations about escalation.
Critics of Biden’s policies consider his approach too cautious. US Congressman and former Air Force General Donald Bacon said: “Kyiv will be hit, Kharkiv will be hit. Ukraine must be able to defend itself by attacking military facilities in Russia.”
He expressed disappointment that the US could allow Ukraine to use Britain’s Storm Shadow to strike Russian targets, but not its own ATACMS.
“Time is not on Ukraine’s side. Therefore, you must give it the opportunity to use resources for self-defense. Who should be afraid of whom? Why do we walk in fear of Putin? Let’s let him fear us.”, he concluded.
