Russia continues to launch strikes deep inside Ukraine.
The capital of Kyiv is once again coming under fire by Russian missiles. The attacks evince President Vladimir Putin’s threats to escalate in response to the U.S. and British deployment of multiple-launch rocket systems to Ukraine. Regardless, these missile strikes also demonstrate Ukraine’s need for longer-range munitions with which to arm its new Western rocket systems. There can be no sanctuary for Russian missile units that are slaughtering Ukrainian citizens.
Still, that’s not enough.
The United States and other European countries have reestablished their presence in Kyiv, with many returning diplomats to their embassies. Renewed missile attacks against targets in Kyiv pose a significant threat to their lives. While Ukrainian air defense units were able to destroy at least one missile, others got through. Ukrainian ports are under assault as well.
At a minimum, the capital city, and the lines of communication coming into it, must be afforded security from Russian artillery and ballistic missile strikes. The U.S. Patriot missile defense system and the U.S.-funded Israeli Iron Dome system can best provide that protection. The brave men and women of our diplomatic corps stationed in Kyiv deserve the protection, as does the military equipment we and other NATO countries are providing to Ukraine.
Conditions must be established to enable Ukraine to defend itself and then drive the Russian military out. Longer-range defensive artillery weapons and missile defense will help establish those conditions.
Retired Army Col. Jon Sweet (@JESweet2022) served 30 years as a military intelligence officer. His background includes tours of duty with the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), the Defense Intelligence Agency, the National Security Agency, and the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency.
