Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has suggested attacks inside Russia.
It appears in leaked intelligence documents from the United States that The Washington Post took notice. At the same time, the president has assured the West not to use weapons provided for attacks inside the country.
The classified documents thus show that Zelensky, in internal communications with military leaders and advisers, proposed military operations in Russia.
Among other things, the proposals will deal with bombing Russian oil pipelines that go towards Hungary, occupying villages and letting long-range robots hit targets inside the country’s borders.
According to the Washington Post, the documents are part of a larger leak of US intelligence secrets circulated on the messaging platform Discord, revealing Zelensky’s more “aggressive instincts” that contrast with the public image of the leader.
Guaranteed not to attack in Russia
Earlier this week, Britain announced that it was supplying Ukraine with several Strom Shadow cruise missiles, which have a range of over 25 miles. According to British Defense Minister Ben Wallace, the robots will give Ukraine “the best chance” to defend itself, and that they will only be used “within Ukrainian sovereign territory”.
According to CNN sources, Ukraine must also have guaranteed not to attack targets within Russia’s borders.
But according to Mats Helgesson, former air force chief, the expected Ukrainian counter-offensive requires attacks on Russian territory.
– Going on a target within the operational area of 100-150 miles is nothing strange. We will definitely see if it will be possible for Ukraine with an offensive. You have to strike broadly against logistics, communications and so on, he told TV4 Nyheterna earlier this spring.
Accused of attack on the Kremlin
Earlier in May, Russia accused Ukraine of trying to execute President Vladimir Putin through a drone attack on the Kremlin. Images of the alleged attack show a drone exploding just above the Russian headquarters.
However, Russian authorities have not been able to present any evidence for their accusations. Ukraine has denied involvement.