Zelensky Urges Stronger European Action Against Russia on 1,000th Day of Invasion

On the 1,000th day following Vladimir Putin’s initiation of a full-scale invasion of Ukraine, President Zelensky appealed to European nations to “push Russia harder” during a commemorative address. Addressing a special session of the European Parliament on Tuesday, he stated, “The more time he [Putin] has, the worse the conditions become.” This address by Zelensky followed Ukraine’s initial deployment of US-supplied long-range missiles to strike a target within Russia, occurring one day after Washington indicated its authorization. An ammunition depot, situated approximately 100 kilometres from the border in Russia’s Bryansk region, was hit by these missiles, identified as Atacms. US officials announced on Monday that President Biden had lifted US restrictions concerning the deployment of the Atacms system beyond Ukraine’s boundaries. It is understood that Ukraine received authorization to employ these missiles solely for the defense of its forces within Russia’s Kursk region, a location where Kyiv initiated an unexpected incursion in August and where an offensive by Russian and North Korean troops was anticipated shortly. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov condemned Washington’s choice to permit the use of such missiles, describing it as “a qualitatively new phase of the Western war against Russia” and pledging to “react accordingly.” On Tuesday morning, speaking to members of the European Parliament, 1,000 days after the invasion commenced on 24 February 2022, Zelensky cautioned that Putin “[would] not stop on his own” and advocated for Russia to be compelled towards a “just peace.” He indicated that the deployment of North Korean forces served as an unequivocal indicator of Moscow’s resolve to intensify the conflict. He cautioned, “While some European leaders think about some elections, or something like this, at Ukraine’s expense, Putin is focused on winning this war.” Concurrently, Ukraine’s military commander-in-chief posted on Telegram that the nation had endured 1,000 days of “extremely complex, fierce battle for our existence” and “destroying the enemy.” Oleksandr Syrskyi stated, “In the frozen trenches of Donetsk region and in the burning steppes of Kherson region under shells, hail, and anti-aircraft guns – we are fighting for the right to life.” He further remarked: “Every dark night, even if there are a thousand of them, always ends with dawn.” These remarks followed a drone assault during the night on Ukraine’s northeastern Sumy region, which resulted in the deaths of 12 individuals, including one child. Additionally, 11 people perished in a distinct strike on Sunday in the same area. In parallel, the Kremlin endorsed its revised nuclear doctrine, which stipulates that any act of aggression by a non-nuclear state, if supported by a nuclear power, will be considered a collective assault on Russia. According to these amendments, a substantial conventional attack on Russia involving missiles, drones, or aircraft could satisfy the conditions for a nuclear retaliation, as could an assault on Belarus or any significant threat to Russia’s sovereignty. Josep Borrell Fontelles, the EU’s foreign affairs chief, also declared on Tuesday that the EU maintained its support for Ukraine, but acknowledged that it “need[ed] to do more and quicker.” In a video posted on X, he affirmed, “The European Union will continue to advance support to help achieve victory for Ukraine and to bring peace to our continent.” The accompanying caption stated, “History will judge us based on our actions and reactions.” Previously, UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer reaffirmed his nation’s “ironclad” backing for Ukraine, amidst conjectures that he might authorize Kyiv to utilize British-provided Storm Shadow missiles for striking targets deep within Russian territory.