Strikes inside Russia with US missiles key to Ukraine’s plan to end war, says Zelenskyy

His vision for a “just peace” has not been made public. But in a media briefing with the Observer in Kyiv, Zelenskyy said it involved carrying out deep strikes with western missiles inside Russia – something London and Washington have so far refused.

The UK has indicated it is willing to allow Ukraine to use British Storm Shadow cruise missiles. But the White House remains sceptical. The UK prime minister, Keir Starmer, failed to resolve the issue when he held private talks last week with Biden in Washington.

Zelenskyy confirmed no green light had been given, despite months of high-level lobbying. “Neither the US nor UK has allowed us to use these weapons on the territory of Russia, against any targets and at any distance,” he said.

Storm Shadows, the French SCALP equivalent and the US ATACMS system have “not been provided in the numbers we need,” Zelenskyy added. He suggested the reluctance of international partners could be explained by fear of “escalation” with Moscow – an analysis Kyiv does not share.

Asked how he might persuade Biden when they meet on Thursday, Zelenskyy cited the fact that the outgoing president had in the past “changed his opinions” after “difficult discussions”. Some US members of his entourage supported strikes, he said – which was “already an achievement”.

Zelenskyy added: “Biden can strengthen Ukraine and make important decisions for Ukraine to become stronger and to protect its independence while he is US president. I think it is a historical mission after all.” 

As well as meeting Harris, Zelenskyy said he would “most likely” have a meeting with Donald Trump on Thursday or Friday. “Our teams are in contact. The main thing is to have time [together]. I won’t look into the future, but I think it will be important for both of us,” Zelenskiy said.

Trump’s running mate, JD Vance, has said a future Republican administration envisages a Moscow-friendly deal that would see Russia hang on to the territory it currently occupies. Ukraine would be forbidden from joining Nato, with the war frozen along a demarcation line.

Zelenskyy described Ukraine’s incursion last month into Russia’s Kursk oblast as a success, hinting that it could become part of future negotiations. He said the operation prevented Moscow from launching its own attack on Ukraine’s northern Sumy province. The “enemy” had been forced to redeploy 42,000 troops from other parts of the frontline.

He acknowledged the situation in eastern Ukraine remained difficult. He said Kyiv needed long-range weapons to counter Russian attacks using air-dropped guided bombs. These “destroyed everything”, he said. Russia “finished off” with artillery and then sent in infantry to capture Ukrainian positions.

The Kremlin, meanwhile, had already moved planes to other, more remote airfields, in anticipation that the White House would sign off on ATACMS strikes. “We cannot simply talk about ATACMS. Why? Because it’s too late,” Zelenskyy said, saying “serious decisions” were needed.

Zelenskyy made his remarks before a six-day trip to the US and a speech to the UN general assembly in New York. During his trip he will meet representatives from Congress and discuss his victory plan with Harris.

The proposal ahead of a global peace summit in November organised by Ukraine envisages further security guarantees. Zelenskyy said the “Kursk operation” also featured. He declined to give details. Other elements include more weapons and economic support.

In a tweet on Thursday, Biden described Zelenskyy warmly as “my friend”. “During his visit, I’ll reaffirm America’s commitment to supporting Ukraine as it defends its freedom and independence,” Biden wrote.

Last week Vladimir Putin said missiles strikes against Russia with US weapons would be tantamount to Nato joining the war. He threatened severe consequences. Ukrainian officials have dismissed his comments as the latest in a series of meaningless bluffs.

The ATACMS system has a 300km range. Its ballistic missiles can carry cluster munitions. They are likely to be highly effective in destroying Russian bases and military runways, from where air strikes are launched against Ukrainian towns and cities, defence experts say.

Storm Shadow missiles were developed together with France and rely on US guidance systems. They include Italian components. All four countries have to sign off on any change to the conditions attached to their use, even if they are not the direct suppliers themselves.

Ukraine’s own long-range drones have proved increasingly effective against Russian military targets. On Saturday, they hit an ammunition depot in Russia’s Krasnodar Krai region, causing a massive explosion. Another attack two days ago set fire to a weapons dump in the town of Toropets, in the Tver region.