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Zelensky Pushes Long-Range Weapons as Key to Ukraine’s ‘Victory Plan’ Ahead of US Visit

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As Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky prepares for his upcoming visit to the United States, he emphasized the critical role that long-range weapons will play in Ukraine’s strategy for defeating Russia. Zelensky revealed that his “victory plan,” which he intends to present to U.S. officials, includes the ability to strike targets inside Russia. However, despite progress, Ukraine has yet to receive permission from allies like the U.S. and the U.K. to use such weapons within Russian territory.

Zelensky acknowledged that Ukraine does have some long-range weapons but not in sufficient quantities. He attributed the allies’ reluctance to authorize strikes inside Russia to concerns over potential escalation. He stated that while President Joe Biden is being advised on escalation risks, not all of his advisors share this fear, which Zelensky views as a positive development.

Next week, Zelensky hopes to further convince Biden and other U.S. officials of the importance of loosening restrictions on long-range missile use. He mentioned that previous difficult discussions with Biden had led to shifts in policy and remained hopeful that his arguments would be well-received during this visit. In addition to meeting President Biden, Zelensky plans to consult with Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump, who has been vague about his stance on the war in Ukraine.

During his U.S. visit, Zelensky is expected to address the United Nations General Assembly in New York and make a stop at the Scranton Army Ammunition Plant in Pennsylvania. The facility produces the 155mm artillery shells vital to Ukraine’s defense efforts against Russia.

Meanwhile, Ukrainian forces continue their push to degrade Russian military infrastructure. Ukrainian officials reported on Saturday that two major ammunition depots were struck in Russia’s Krasnodar and Tver regions. These strikes, carried out in coordination with Ukraine’s Security Service (SBU), targeted key logistics facilities, including a large base storing Iskander and Tochka-U tactical missile systems. The attacks mark a continued effort by Ukraine to weaken Russia’s artillery capabilities. However, Russian authorities have not confirmed the strikes.

Zelensky’s visit and his focus on securing more military aid come as Ukraine intensifies its counteroffensive, targeting Russian supply lines and ammunition storage facilities, aiming to shift the balance in the war.

Biden Administration Gives Japanese Steelmaker More Time to Make Case for Controversial Deal

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Nippon Steel, Japan’s largest steelmaker, has been granted an additional 90 days to re-file its application for a national security review of its $15 billion takeover bid of US Steel. This extension comes as political opposition mounts during an election year, with President Joe Biden, former President Donald Trump, and Vice President Kamala Harris all voicing opposition to the deal.

The Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS) has been reviewing the acquisition of Pittsburgh-based US Steel for months, citing national security concerns. Given the White House’s indications that it would block the deal and CFIUS officials wanting to avoid political pressures, the decision to extend the timeline seemed the best option.

The takeover has become a contentious issue, with Rust Belt Democrats such as Sen. Sherrod Brown of Ohio and Sen. John Fetterman of Pennsylvania also opposing the deal. The United Steelworkers union, which has endorsed Harris for president, has been a vocal critic of the acquisition.

US Steel has warned that, without Nippon Steel’s support, it could face layoffs and mill closures. The sale process for US Steel began in 2023, following an unsolicited $7 billion offer from Cleveland Cliffs. Nippon’s $14.9 billion bid emerged as the preferred option. Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida previously indicated that the legal reviews would determine the deal’s outcome.

Business groups have expressed concern over the politicization of the CFIUS process, urging Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen to ensure national security risks are evaluated on their merits.

 

Biden Administration Unveils New Evidence of RT’s Role in Russian Intelligence Operations Worldwide

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The Biden administration on Friday launched a major diplomatic campaign to curb the global influence of RT (formerly Russia Today), revealing new declassified US intelligence that shows RT’s deep integration with Russian intelligence operations. The US State Department’s findings suggest RT has been engaging in covert influence activities, including cyber operations, military procurement, and disinformation campaigns. The administration aims to provide countries with information about the risks associated with RT’s activities, making it more difficult for the network to operate globally.

Secretary of State Antony Blinken announced that RT possesses cyber capabilities and engages in covert operations, with a specific intelligence unit embedded within RT for over a year, tasked with global influence efforts. These findings show RT’s activities extend beyond propaganda, playing a crucial role in Russia’s broader intelligence and military objectives.

In addition, RT leaders allegedly facilitated a crowdfunding campaign to provide military equipment, such as sniper rifles and drones, to Russian soldiers in Ukraine. The US believes these operations not only spread disinformation but also undermine democratic processes in countries worldwide.

The US diplomatic push follows last week’s federal charges against RT employees involved in covertly funding a US company to produce content aimed at swaying American public opinion ahead of the 2024 elections.