UWC calls on Ukraine’s allies: Lift strike restrictions to save lives

The Ukrainian World Congress (UWC) urgently appealed to the United States and all of Ukraine’s allies, urging them to lift all restrictions that prevent Ukraine from targeting military sites deep within Russian territory and for the provision of necessary long-range missiles. 

This policy shift is crucial to bolster Ukraine’s efforts to halt the Russian offensive and protect countless Ukrainian civilian lives. The UWC highlights that Russia’s relentless attacks on peaceful Ukrainian cities are aimed at destroying lives and breaking the resolve of the Ukrainian people.

“During the first days of September alone, Russian forces killed over fifty innocent Ukrainian civilians and injured hundreds more. Unable to defeat Ukraine on the battlefield, Russia is committing genocide by leveling Ukrainian cities, making the territory uninhabitable, and depriving its people of their future. Words of sympathy are not enough to help Ukraine win this existential war,” stated UWC President Paul Grod.

The UWC argues that allowing Ukraine to use U.S.-supplied long-range artillery and missiles against Russian military targets, ammunition depots, and air bases within Russia will significantly weaken the Kremlin’s military capabilities. This, in turn, will reduce Russia’s ability to launch deadly missile and drone attacks on Ukrainian civilians, energy facilities, and critical infrastructure. Despite these potential benefits, the U.S. and its allies continue to prohibit the use of their weapons for strikes within Russia, citing concerns about provoking further escalation.

“There are no rational arguments for maintaining these restrictions. The Ukrainian Armed Forces’ Kursk counteroffensive has shown the world that Putin’s ‘red lines’ are mere bluffs,” Grod added. “We echo the words of EU diplomacy head Josep Borrell, who recently stated that the weaponry provided to Ukraine must be fully utilized, and restrictions must be lifted to allow Ukrainians to target the sources of Russian attacks. Otherwise, we continue to expose Ukraine’s children to Russia’s daily rocket and missile attacks.” 

Call to action

The UWC is urging the United States and all of Ukraine’s allies to lift their restrictions on Ukraine’s use of long-range weapons against Russian military targets and to provide the necessary missiles. This decisive action is seen as essential to help Ukraine defend its sovereignty, protect its civilians, and ultimately secure a peaceful future.