**Ukraine Urged to Develop Own Ballistic Systems**
In a recent address, President Volodymyr Zelensky emphasized the need for Ukraine to accelerate its development of ballistic systems. This call to action comes as Ukraine continues to face a full-scale invasion from Russia.
According to reports, Zelensky made his statement following a meeting with the Commander-in-Chief, where he was briefed on military supplies, staffing, and Ukraine’s missile program. The president stressed that long-range capabilities are crucial for ensuring Ukraine’s security. “Our long-range capabilities are a clear and effective guarantee of Ukraine’s security,” he said.
The importance of long-range missiles in Ukraine’s defense strategy cannot be overstated. These systems have been critical in countering Russia’s invasion, but Western partners have been hesitant to provide them due to concerns about escalation.
Ukraine has only recently started receiving US-made ATACMS missiles, with the first batch arriving in the fall of 2023. Even then, restrictions were in place, allowing Ukraine to target only occupied Ukrainian territory. It wasn’t until November 2024 that former US President Joe Biden eased these restrictions, permitting Ukraine to launch ATACMS against military targets in Russia.
In addition to receiving ATACMS, Ukraine has also acquired the British Storm Shadow and French SCALP missiles. However, earlier this year, it was reported that Ukraine had run out of its supply of ATACMS.
Despite challenges in developing its own missile program, Ukraine has made some progress. Last year, the country successfully tested its first domestically-made ballistic missile and produced 100 missiles. This achievement highlights the need for Ukraine to invest in developing its own ballistic systems.
The combination of Western reluctance and restrictions, along with limited supplies of long-range missiles, underscores the importance of Ukraine’s domestic missile program. By accelerating the creation of Ukrainian ballistic systems, President Zelensky aims to ensure the country’s security and independence in the face of ongoing Russian aggression.
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