INSUBCONTINENT EXCLUSIVE:
Ukraine will not use advanced missile systems it expects to receive from the United States to attack within Russian territory, Ukrainian
President Volodymyr Zelensky said Tuesday.President Joe Biden announced earlier that the U.S
official identified the weapon as the High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS), saying its range of 80 kilometers will keep them from
broadcaster Newsmax in an interview.With precision-guided munitions and a longer range than weapons currently deployed by Ukraine, the
multiple rocket launchers represent an important upgrade at a time when the Ukrainians are fighting off Russian artillery in the east of the
country.The Himars are the centerpiece of a $700 million package being unveiled Wednesday which also includes air surveillance radars, more
Javelin short-range anti-tank rockets, more artillery ammunition, helicopters, vehicles and spare parts, the official said.Although there'd
the announcement also made clear the U.S
attempt to help Kyiv's war effort while not being seen as a direct belligerent.For that reason, the ammunition for the Himars will not
include a version able to reach some 186 miles (300 kilometers), out of fear that the Ukrainians would use it to hit deep inside Russia.They
will instead get the version extending about 50 miles (80 kilometers), which is still significantly further than the Ukrainians' present
That means Ukraine's forces will be able to strike at Russian positions with the rockets from relative safety.Russian Deputy Foreign
Minister Sergei Ryabkov nonetheless condemned the expected HIMARS shipment, saying "attempts to present the decision as containing an
element of 'self-restraint' are useless."The new weaponry will come from a recently approved fund of $40 billion
The Biden administration has already sent $4.5 billion in mostly military aid to Ukraine since Russia launched its invasion in
February.Zelensky argued in the Newsmax interview that Ukraine needs longer-range versions of the missile system provided by the U.S
de-block our cities and for that purpose we need MLRS [multiple launch rocket system] with an effective range of fire of over 100
attacks since President Vladimir Putin ordered Russian troops to invade Ukraine in late February.At least three Russian civilians have been
killed in the cross-border attacks, which included explosions at oil refineries and damage to railroads.Ukrainian officials have not claimed
responsibility for attacks inside Russia, but have also not explicitly denied that Ukrainian forces were involved.Zelensky estimated
Ukraine's military losses at between 60-100 killed and 500 wounded a day.
