In an attempt to garner support for his “victory strategy”, Ukrainian President, Volodymyr Zelenskiy embarked on a brisk tour across Europe, meeting leaders from Britain and Nato. This tour comes amid escalating Russian attacks on the eastern and southern regions of Ukraine, with Odesa being the latest city to suffer a lethal missile strike.
In London, Zelenskiy held discussions with Britain’s Prime Minister, Keir Starmer, and Nato’s recently-appointed Secretary General, Mark Rutte. Following this, the Ukrainian President was scheduled to meet with French President Emmanuel Macron. Visits to Italy, for meetings with Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and Pope Francis, and Germany for a discussion with Chancellor Olaf Scholz, are also included in Zelenskiy’s itinerary.
Ukraine’s expectations from its allies include an increased supply of weapons, endorsements for its strikes deep into Russian territory with Western-issued missiles, and support for its Nato membership aspiration. This collective effort aims to compel Russia to cease its prolonged full-scale encroachment. In context of the discussions held in London, Zelenskiy expressed, “The primary focal points of our discourses were Euro-Atlantic integration and the militaristic fortification of Ukraine – measures that will lay the groundwork for the restoration of a rightfully deserved peace. Ukraine’s negotiation power lies in its strength.”
Ukraine has outlined plans for a second international peace summit to be held this year, to which Russia’s attendance is expected. The first summit was convened in Switzerland in June but saw no participation from Moscow, due to its opposition to Zelenskiy’s peace terms. These peace terms require Russia to discontinue its occupation, compensate for damages, and face potential trials for war crimes.
Despite these demands, Russia maintains that Ukraine must acquiesce to the permanent annexation of five of its regions by Russia and relinquish its aspirations for Nato membership to achieve peace.
Britain’s Prime Minister, Starmer, emphasised the importance of demonstrating their “overarching commitment” to Kyiv and described the discussions as a platform to delve into the plans in greater detail.
A representative of his administration confirmed the ongoing discussions among the UK, Ukraine, and global allies regarding assistance for Ukraine for the upcoming winter, but there were no updates from the UK government regarding long-range missile usage. It’s reported that Britain is potentially agreeable to Ukraine utilising Storm Shadow cruise missiles, which have been dispatched to Kyiv, for striking deeper targets within Russia. However, the British government requires the approval of the United States. The US administration has cautioned about an excess ‘escalation’ amidst Europe’s most significant war since 1945 while Russian president Vladimir Putin has threatened NATO countries with potential direct confrontation.
Mr Rutte noted the discussions took place today but emphasised that the choice ultimately lies with individual allies. Recently, Ukraine has been successful in targeting major Russian oil establishments, ammunition stores, and military airstrips using domestically manufactured long-range drones. On Thursday, they reported attacking a Russian refuelling airbase situated in the southern Russian province of Adygeya, a significant distance from the Ukraine border.
Images circulated on social media depict tall columns of dark smoke rising from the location. Russian officials evacuated a local village subsequent to the attacks. Kyiv’s anonymous security personnel stated that 57 military aircraft were stationed at the base during the attack, though Russia has not issued a statement regarding the damage. On Wednesday, a third missile attack on civilian cargo ships in four days claimed the lives of eight Ukrainian port workers in Odesa. Peter Stano, the European Union spokesperson, labelled it as “Putin’s response to those advocating for the possibility of peace with Putin”.
The smaller Ukrainian city of Torestk in the Donetsk region continues to see heightened conflict, with Russia intensifying its progressive offensive in recent months.