“Russia’s airfields, where bombers launch from, must be destroyed” – Zelensky

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky called on Western leaders to grant permission to use their weapons to destroy military facilities on the territory of the Russian Federation. In particular, airfields from which enemy planes take off and bomb children and civilians.

The head of the Ukrainian state said this during a speech at the inaugural plenary session of the European political community summit, which is being held in Great Britain.

"The less restrictions we have on the use of weapons, the more Russia will move in the direction of peace. Planes are flying from Russian airfields that bomb our children and citizens. All these airfields must be destroyed. This will mean not only the destruction of certain targets but also the ability of Russia to continue this war," Zelensky said.

He also noted that the reality on the battlefield explains the situation better than any talk.

"We did not allow Russia to advance in the Kharkiv region. Putin sacrificed tens of thousands of his citizens but did not achieve anything essential and significant. This was made possible by the bravery of our soldiers and the bravery of our partners, who lifted restrictions on the use of weapons near the border. Did it escalate? No.

On the contrary, it blocked Putin's attempts to expand the war. Did Putin react in any way? No," the head of the Ukrainian state said.

He added, "We can end this war through diplomatic efforts and weapons."

"The more powerful the air defense system is, the more helpless Putin will be," Zelensky emphasized.

It should be noted that Ukraine participated in the 4th summit of the European Political Community in Great Britain on June 18.

The Prime Minister of the host country, Kier Starmer, opened the plenary session. 47 heads of state and government take part in it:

• 27 member states of the European Union,
• Twenty other countries of the continent.

As reported, the head of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelensky, on Thursday, July 18, arrived on a visit to Great Britain, where he would take part in the summit of the European Political Community.

Zelensky added that Ukraine's relations with Great Britain are a separate program of the visit.

"I will meet with His Majesty King Charles III, Prime Minister Keir Starmer, government officials, and heads of defense companies. We will sign an intergovernmental agreement on support for the Ukrainian defense industry, discuss future defense cooperation, and expand our defense capabilities," he said.

Earlier, The Guardian reported that Zelensky will visit Great Britain and Ireland.