Ukraine Supporters, Zelenskyy Aim to End Restrictions on Weapons Provided to Ukraine
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Loading... - Ivan Ivanov
- 12 Jul 2024
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In a highly anticipated bilateral meeting between President Joe Biden and Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Biden announced a new $225 million aid package for Ukraine, which includes a Patriot missile system to bolster their air defenses. Meanwhile, outside the NATO summit, Ukrainian-Americans and supporters have been rallying to advocate for continued and enhanced support for Ukraine.
Rallying for Ukraine
Despite the sweltering heat in Washington, a dedicated group of Ukrainian-Americans and other supporters have gathered outside the convention center hosting the NATO summit. They have been holding signs and waving Ukrainian flags, expressing their unwavering support for Ukraine.
“These policy makers, these decision makers are so close, we feel like we are making a difference here,” said Mariia Hlyten from Kyiv. Hlyten recalls hiding underground with her family as Russian forces invaded over two years ago. Alongside others, she has spent the past few days attempting to catch the attention of world leaders on their way to the summit.
Advocating for NATO Membership and Military Support
Hlyten and her fellow demonstrators are advocating for Ukraine’s invitation into NATO, believing it would strengthen the alliance. However, they also have a more urgent plea for world leaders:
“We want to see real action,” Hlyten emphasized. “For example, Ukraine really needs to be able to strike back.”
Currently, the Biden administration restricts the use of American-provided weapons, prohibiting strikes deep into Russian territory. These weapons can only be used just inside Russia’s border against targets supporting Russian military operations in Ukraine. This restriction has been a point of contention for many Ukrainian supporters.
Zelenskyy's Call for Lifting Restrictions
President Zelenskyy echoed the rally-goers' sentiments, urging for the lifting of all limitations on the use of provided weapons.
“If we want to win, if we want to prevail, if we want to save our country and defend it, we need to lift all limitations,” Zelenskyy stated.
Concerns and Counterarguments
There are concerns about lifting these restrictions, with some fearing that the broader use of American-made weapons could provoke Russia into escalating the war. However, Hlyten argues that the current limitations have only prolonged the conflict.
“They [Russia] can strike Ukrainian civilian territories, they can strike children receiving cancer treatment in the middle of Kyiv, they [Russia] can do that,” said Hlyten. “And we cannot fight back.”
Conclusion
The rally outside the NATO summit highlights the urgent and passionate plea from Ukrainian-Americans and supporters for stronger, more decisive action in support of Ukraine. As President Biden’s new aid package is set to bolster Ukraine’s defenses, the call to lift restrictions on weapon usage remains a critical point of discussion, reflecting the deep desire for Ukraine to effectively defend its sovereignty and bring an end to the ongoing conflict.
