AP Images Volodymyr Zelensky
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky met with NATO leaders in Reykjavík, Iceland, earlier today, where he lobbied for NATO membership for Ukraine and long-range weapons for striking military targets inside Russia.
Zelensky met with Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen, Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo, Icelandic President Halla Tómasdóttir, Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre, and Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson.
During the meetings, Zelensky lobbied for a invitation for Ukraine to join NATO, and also requested permission to use long-range weapons to attack targets inside Russia. Zelensky wrote about his meeting with Kristersson, where they also discussed Ukrainian air defense, stating in a post on X:
I had a meeting with @SwedishPM Ulf Kristersson in Reykjavík. I emphasized the importance of inviting Ukraine to join NATO and permitting the use of long-range weapons against Russian military targets, expressing our hope for Sweden’s active advocacy on these points.
We discussed strengthening Ukraine’s air defense for the winter, funding the production of long-range drones and missiles, and supporting Ukraine’s energy sector during the colder months.
I’m grateful to Sweden for its defense assistance packages, continued support as one of our key energy donors, and its understanding of Ukraine’s need to secure long-term safety. I am hopeful for progress in enhancing Ukraine’s air defense shield.
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha also urged NATO lift restrictions on long-range strikes against targets inside Russia, stating in a post on X, “The bottom line: listen to Ukraine. The solution: lift restrictions on our long-range strikes against Russia now.”
The Russia-Ukraine war continues to escalate following news of 10,000 North Korean (DPRK) soldiers deployed to eastern Russia, which Zelensky claims will be used to fight in Ukraine. Ukraine becoming a NATO member could trigger an Article 5 collective defense response from other NATO members.
On Sunday, Russian President Vladimir Putin spoke with Russia-1 Reporter Pavel Zarubin about a response to NATO directly attacking targets inside Russia with long-range weapons. He responded to Zarubin’s question of whether the NATO leaders had responded to his warning against strikes inside Russia, stating:
They have not told me anything about it, but I hope they have heard it, because of course we will have to make some decisions for ourselves as well. It is not a question of whether or not someone will be allowed to use these weapons against Russia.
I already spoke about this in my very first statement in St. Petersburg. Ukrainian troops cannot use these weapons on their own. This can only be done by specialists from NATO countries because this requires space reconnaissance, which of course Ukraine does not have. We understand that.
Specialists are needed who using the reconnaissance data will enter flight missions and perform a whole range of other manipulations. The Ukrainian army cannot do this on its own. Therefore, what is happening now is being done by NATO officers.
The only question is whether or not they will allow themselves to strike deep into Russian territory. That is the question. And, naturally, we will have to respond accordingly. As to how to respond, when, and where exactly, well it’s a bit early to talk about that. But of course, our military command is thinking about this and will offer various options for responding.
