Residents of Kyiv, the capital of Ukraine, have expressed a mix of gratitude, optimism, and frustration in response to US President Joe Biden's decision to allow the use of ATACMS missiles. The decision permits striking targets deep inside Russia with American-made weapons, a move that many feel should have been granted sooner.
While the exact number of ATACMS missiles available to Ukraine and the specific targets in Russia remain unclear, a US official indicated that the weapons are primarily intended for use in the Kursk region, where Ukraine launched a surprise counteroffensive in the summer.
Yevhenii Lesyk, a 26-year-old metallurgist, emphasized the need for forceful action, stating, 'I think it’s time to allow hitting all over Russia, because they only understand force.' He expressed hope that permission to target locations beyond Kursk would soon follow.
Volodymyr Drach, a 70-year-old reserve colonel, questioned the delay in authorizing the use of long-range weapons, criticizing Western partners for not comprehending the urgency of the situation. He remarked, 'It’s long past time to authorize the use of long-range weapons, because Putin is hitting all over Ukraine.'
Another resident, a 35-year-old woman named Tetiana, echoed the sentiment that the decision should have been made earlier. She emphasized the toll of the conflict, stating, 'They had to take this decision a long time ago, from the first days of the war.'
Liudmyla Havliuk, a 52-year-old Kyiv resident, expressed support for broader targeting capabilities, particularly in light of her son's involvement in the conflict. She emphasized the need for swift action, questioning the delay in granting permission to strike locations beyond Kursk.
The sentiments shared by residents of Kyiv underscore the complex emotions surrounding the conflict in Ukraine and the expectations for decisive action in the face of ongoing hostilities.
