Russia has intensified its attacks on Ukraine with a barrage of airstrikes for the second consecutive night, marking the largest assault since the beginning of the full-scale war. The attacks have reignited calls from Ukraine for its Western allies to lift restrictions on using long-range weapons to target Russia’s missile launchers. Fabian Rene Hoffmann from the University of Oslo emphasizes the need to target the launchers themselves to combat the ongoing airstrikes.
The Institute for the Study of War echoes this sentiment, highlighting that there are numerous military and paramilitary targets in Russia within the range of ATACMS missiles provided by the US to Ukraine. They suggest that Ukraine does not need to strike every target to put pressure on the Russian military effectively. However, the US currently limits the range at which these missiles can be deployed.
Hoffmann warns that failing to target Russian missile launchers could result in a humanitarian disaster in Europe. He urges decision-makers to assess the risks of escalating the conflict and consider allowing Ukraine to employ Western weapon systems against deeper Russian targets to enhance its defensive capabilities.
As tensions escalate between Russia and Ukraine, the effectiveness of Western aid in supporting Ukraine’s defense strategies comes into focus. The ongoing conflict underscores the urgent need for a strategic approach to neutralize Russian military threats while minimizing potential escalation risks.
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