Zelensky calls on U.S. to lift restrictions on deep strikes against military targets in Russia

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has called on the United States to lift restrictions on deep strikes against military facilities inside Russia, particularly airfields.

The head of state said this in a speech at the Reagan Institute in Washington, according to an Ukrinform correspondent.

He noted that in May-June, Ukraine stopped Russia's offensive on Kharkiv, including thanks to the U.S.'s permission to strike military facilities inside Russia.

The Ukrainian army also destroyed the launchers of Russian missiles that had been hitting Kharkiv for more than two years on a daily basis, Zelensky said.

"Imagine how much we can achieve when all limitations are lifted. Similarly now we can protect our cities from Russian glide bombs if American leadership makes a step forward and allows us to destroy Russian military aircraft on their bases. This will also yield an instant result. And we are waiting for this step," Zelensky said.

In addition, Ukraine will be able to significantly limit Russian actions in southern Ukraine and push the occupier out of there "if American leadership assists us with the necessary deep strike capabilities against Russian military and logistics in our Ukrainian Crimea."

Zelensky noted that these steps would strengthen Ukraine - "as today's exceptional decision of the U.S. and partners to provide Ukraine with additional five Patriot air defense systems and dozens of others, and prioritize air defense interceptors for Ukraine."

He also called on the U.S. to support Ukraine in organizing the second Peace Summit this year based on the Ukrainian Peace Formula - "even more powerful and truly decisive."

"We need that support from the U.S.," Zelensky said.

Earlier reports said that NATO countries had announced the transfer to Ukraine of five strategic Patriot and SAMP-T air defense systems, as well as dozens of other tactical air defense systems.

The NATO summit is taking place in Washington on July 9-11. The Ukrainian delegation is led by President Volodymyr Zelensky.